Lim Chin Chin*, Wong S.M
5th European Academy of Forensic Science conference
Glasgow, United Kingdom, 9 Sep 2009, OT06 (poster presentation)
[abstract]
AIM: To understand the strengths and limitations of forensic knot analysis through case studies
BACKGROUND: Three case studies involving different scenarios and types of ligatures are presented.
Case 1: A decomposed body floating at sea, with no visible injuries but a cable and a piece of metal secured to his body. Was it a suicide?
Case 2: A baby’s four limbs were tied up in a neat and sophisticated manner using a single cord. It was then dumped into a rubbish chute.
Case 3: Seven pieces of cloths were wrapped or tied around a deceased’s head, neck and limbs.
Case 2 and 3: To establish if the accused(s) could have tied the knots and to opine on the tier’s intent.
In all three cases, the construction of the knots and ligatures were determined. Control knot samples when present, were compared with the questioned knots. Characteristics of the knots were evaluated and used to provide an opinion on tier characteristics and the overall scenario.