Crime Scene Investigator Analysis of Simm's Case - Essay Sample

Introduction

In any criminal case, an investigation aims to gather sound and adequate evidence to sustain a prosecution. Key to a successful investigation is the need to define and secure the areas poised to have potential leads; examine and document the crime scene, gather physical evidence, properly package and transport material evidence for further laboratory investigations. Conceivably, from correctly assembled evidence and crime scene analysis, it is possible to reconstruct the elements of a crime and narrow down from very many suspects to an actual perpetrator. In Ian Simms' case, physical evidence including blood stains, the location of the crime areas, DNA material, and witness testimonies are critical considerations in establishing the facts about the gruesome murder of Helen McCourt.

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Physical Evidence, Trace Evidence, Victim-Suspect Relationships, Blood Analysis, and Dna Footprints

Central to Simms' case is the availability of DNA material associated with the crime which upon elaborate analysis would provide highly accurate and precise results that link a suspect to the actual murder. In DNA analysis, even the smallest amount of blood, saliva, skin cell or hair is enough to provide an accurate and reliable evidence to link an individual to the perpetration of the crime. If any other theories and material evidence gathered from the scene provide incomplete or conflicting information, forensic DNA analysis will provide an invaluable tool for avoiding conviction wrongfully (Fisher & Fisher, 2003). The strands of human hair found attached to the electrical flex are critical DNA material for forensic analysis. A first step is to identify the potential source of the electrical flex then narrow down to the bearer of hair which matches that attached to them. In the use of this hair, a microscopic comparison of the evidence hair with that of the suspect is vital in determining matches between the two which then provides crucial exculpatory evidence (Pepper, 2010). In this case, if the discovered hair does not have enough root tissues, then mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) investigation of the hair shaft can be an efficient approach.

Apart from the DNA material associated with the crime, it is essential to analyze the suspected locations in which the offence occurred for trace evidence (Pepper, 2010). In the case of Simms, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive observation of his apartment to identify any indications of murder. These include blood stains on household belongings, walls or any other locations within the house. Blood stains or splashes on the floor or walls would be important pointers to whether the suspect's residence was the initial location where the crime was committed or one of the many places it was done. The understanding behind this approach is that a case of murder must involve contact with an object hurled at the victim, a blunt object hitting or strangling. In any of these instances, fingerprints of the victim or blood stains may remain on at least a place in the building (Fisher & Fisher, 2003). In the case of Simms, the blood stains found on the carpet at the bottom of the stairs on the pathway to his apartment, bedroom carpet, and splashes on the wallpaper are critical evidential links. Even though the dead body of the victim had not been discovered to do serological matches of blood, it is upon the suspect to explain the source of the blood. After that, matching can be done against the alleged origin to determine the truth (Pepper, 2010). In case there is no match, the suspect is deemed to be an accomplice or main perpetrator of the murder. Ideally, spluttering or splashing of blood implies that an artery was cut using some sharp object.

Alongside the investigation of the suspects's house is the need to check for potential leftovers of the victim's belonging in any the suspect's properties. During an aggressive confrontation leading to death, there must be at least some trace evidence unconcealed by the perpetrator due to ignorance or the mere fact that they cannot be easily seen (Fisher & Fisher, 2003). Conceivably, whenever a crime is committed, tiny fragments of physical evidence remain which the perpetrator may ignore but which are critical leads. For instance, little blood stains and small personal belongings can be left on the carpet, vehicle seat or under the seats during a physical assault. However trivial they may be, these trace materials are valuable in reconstructing the broader an event or indicate the presence of the suspect or victim at the scene of the crime. In the case of Simms, his car is one of the suitable places for investigation. The fact that some feminine jewellery such as opal and pearl earring was found in the boot means that a female either deliberately or accidentally left them (Charles Graham, 2016). To further identify the actual source of this jewellery, it would be prudent to confirm whether the victim had such materials as part of her beautification gears. The availability of the ornaments in the boot of the suspect's car and blood stains both indicate that it was used in carrying a bleeding corpse or someone got injured there. In any of these two scenarios, the car must have been used with the express permission of the owner, or it was stolen. To ascertain which of the two may be true, if the vehicle had been stolen, the suspect must provide evidence that he reported the case to the relevant authorities. In the absence of this proof, the latter proposition is deemed correct hence he becomes a prime suspect.

The witness narrations also have a critical bearing on Simms case since their testimonies provide reasonable links to the suspect's guilt or not (Pepper, 2010). Even though the witness account may not be primary evidence in the case, they serve as an anecdotal lead to or support more substantive evidence. In the case of Simms, the testimony given by a witness who works in the pub that she had sounds of something being dragged is critical in providing a link between the sound and the blood stains on the carpets along the stairs of the suspect's apartment. Ideally, unless with the assistance of a third party, it is difficult to carry the body of a murdered person hence Hellen's killer must have dragged her (Charles Graham, 2016). From the standpoint of crime scene investigation, details provided by witnesses such as the pub worker are critical leads. Though the verbal account may be subject to further examination, they are helpful in developing reasonable grounds to pierce together incomplete evidence.

The past relationship between the suspect and the victim are also significant leads to the establishment of facts around it (Fisher & Fisher, 2003). Ideally, if the two have been in a stable and friendly relationship, it casts aspersions on the possibility of the argument that they could murder one another. However, a relationship characterised by, hate, resentment and dislike of one another can be a reasonable ground to suspect. Such a lousy relationship combined with material leads, DNA analysis and trace evidence can be critical in cementing a case (Pepper, 2010). In the case of Simms, the fact that his relationship with Helen before the unfortunate incident was terrible makes it easy to associate him with the murder. He was unhappy with Helen after she had picked an argument with a woman in the pub. The fact that Simms banned her from the pub following the incident and using nasty words to show his hate for her show a possibility that he could be aggressive towards her. The revelation that Simms had made sexual advances at Helen, but she rejected provide enough grounds to believe that he could be displeased with the sight of the young lady. She also knew and gossip about his relationship with another woman. Perhaps murdering Helen could be his way of venting out his anger, hate and calming his ego

Conclusion

In conclusion, Simms' case presents one of the complicated crime scene investigation scenarios since the body of the victims has not been discovered for further analysis. However, there are major leads that if well pursued can justifiably incriminate him. In its entirety, Simms' case depends on material evidence, DNA samples availability, witness testimonies and nature of the relationship he had with the victim before the incident point to the fact that he committed the murder or was a party to it. Therefore, the burden remains on him to disprove the veracity of the evidence associated with him.

References

Charles Graham. (2016, Thursday 4). The Murder of Helen Mccourt: How The Terrible Events Unfolded. Wigan Today. Retrieved from https://www.wigantoday.net/news/the-murder-of-Helen-McCourt-how-the-terrible-events-unfolded-1-7715038

Fisher, B. A., & Fisher, D. R. (2003). Techniques of crime scene investigation. CRC Press.

Pepper, I. (2010). Crime Scene Investigation: Methods And Procedures: Methods and Procedures. McGraw-Hill Education (UK).