Hidden Evidence Preface

1. According to Sherlock Holmes, how does one discover the truth, which exists at every crime scene? Follow the rules of scientific inquiry: gather, observe and test data  formulate, modify, and reject hypotheses, until only one remains

3. What information can a forensic scientist gain from the study of bones? identity, trauma and post-mortem mutilation

4. What type of scientist carries out the forensic study of bones? forensic anthropologist

5. What does an odontologist specialize in? Teeth and the marks they leave

6. What do trace evidence specialists study? hairs, fibres, pollen, paint, soil and glass

7. What type of evidence do ballistic experts examine? tools and weapons

8. What types of evidence do forensic biologists study? blood, saliva and semen

9. What is the purpose of the study of forensic science? to contribute to law enforcements effort to take criminals of the street

The Trail of the Ripper Case Study

10. Give the precise location of the crime scene of Mary Jane Kelly: 13 Miller’s Court 11. What was particularly unusual about the condition of Ms. Kelly’s body? The body had been “dismantled” both breasts removed, liver placed between feet, one hand placed in stomach.

12. What evidence made it unlikely that the ripper was responsible for a number of additional murders of women in the 1800’s? There were obvious differences between the way the injuries had been inflicted. 13. What does this case illustrate about forensic evidence gathering? Both the potential and limitations of forensics. Forensic evidence can not find and convict a criminal on its own.

14. Describe the two principle ways in which forensic evidence can be used to solve crimes: It offers clues to help detectives find the criminal. Helps prove that a given suspect was at a crime scene or actually committed a specific crime.

15. What must occur before the power of forensics can be used to its full extent? A “target” or suspect must first be identified. This takes good, ol’ fashion police work.

16. What are some reasons / factors that make forensic science fallible (liable to be inaccurate or erroneous)? At times, evidence is confusing or incomplete Evidence may be open to multiple interpretations Human mistake can ruin evidences Great care and attentions is necessary in forensics

What’s the big deal with Jack the Ripper? Not the first serial killer, or even the most vicious. Was the first to appear in an urban setting, with a largely literate population that had access to media publications. Unclear how many murders Jack committed. Somewhere between 4 and 9 prostitutes on the East End of London What’s the big deal with Jack the Ripper?

No apparent connection between victims. Varied in age and appearance. However, all were drunk or thought to be drunk at time of killing.

Constant research over the last 120 years offers us some info: As women lifted skirts, Jack attacked and strangled his victims. No bruising on head suggests he would lower victims to the ground. Cut their throats while they were on the ground: Blood pooled beside their neck. If cut while standing, blood would have pooled in front of them. No evidence of rape. Did take parts of the body as a trophy Precision in which he removed organs suggests some anatomical knowledge.

Elizabeth Stride, Jack the Rippers 3rd victim. Catherine Eddowes, Jack the Rippers 4th victim.

Cartoon criticizing the police for their inability to find the Whitechapel murderer BLIND-MAN’S BUFF (as played by the police) “Turn around three times, And catch whom you may!”