Citation

Peschel O, Mützel E, Rothschild MA. Rechtsmedizin 2008; 18(2): 131-146.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00194-008-0512-0

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) refers to the collection, categorisation and interpretation of the shape and distribution of bloodstains connected with a crime. These kinds of stains occur in a considerable proportion of homicide cases. They may offer extensive information and are an important part of a functional, medically and scientifically based reconstruction of a crime. The following groups of patterns can essentially be distinguished: dripped and splashed blood, projected blood, impact patterns, cast off stains, expirated and transfer bloodstains. A highly qualified analysis may help estimate facts concerning the location, quality and intensity of an external force. A sequence of events may be recognised, and detailed questions connected with the reconstruction of the crime may be answered. In some cases, BPA may help to distinguish between accident, homicide and suicide or to identify bloodstains originating from a perpetrator. BPA is based on systematic training, a visit to the crime scene or alternatively good photographic documentation, and an understanding and knowledge of autopsy findings or statements made by the perpetrator and/or victim. A BPA working group has been established within the German Society of Legal Medicine aiming to put the knowledge and practical applications of this subdiscipline of forensic science on a broader footing. © 2008 Springer Medizin Verlag.

Language: de

Keywords

crime; documentation; Homicide; homicide; autopsy; Forensic science; forensic pathology; review; photography; medical literature; blood stain; Bloodstain pattern analysis; Crime reconstruction; Crime scene analysis