The analysis of the artefacts produced by forensically significant blowfly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) activity and their effect on bloodstain pattern analysis

Violent crimes involving bloodshed may result in bloodstains spattering on the surrounding surfaces. Accurate analysis of bloodstains at the scene can provide investigators with insights into the series of events that occurred during the execution of a violent crime. At a crime scene, blowflies feed on bloodstains and deposit artefacts that may cause confusion during crime scene reconstruction. Experimental cages of two possible crime scene surfaces (paper to simulate wallpaper and linoleum) were developed such that fly artefacts can be characterized and differentiated from legitimate bloodstains. Pooled bloodstains were created within the experimental cages and blowflies were allowed access to the cages. A total of 10739 and 740 artefacts deposited on paper surfaces and linoleum walls respectively were examined. Clear differences between fly artefacts and legitimate bloodstains were noted and unique characteristics of fly artefacts resembling true blood spatters with a possibility of confounding crime scene reconstruction were distinguished.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Division of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• Lesaoana, Mpasi Pascalis

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Heyns, Marise
• Mole, Calvin Gerald

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/20918

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/20918