Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Expert Witness Case Study 1

Independent forensic expert evidence in a murder investigation

Bericon Forensics was instructed to provide independent forensic expert witness services in a murder case involving bloodstain pattern evidence.

The defendant and a co-defendant had been charged with murder following the death of a man from a head injury. The defendant contacted the police after finding the man unresponsive on the floor of his bedroom.

Bloodstains were identified at several locations within the scene, including on the walls and near the bedroom door. Investigators also recorded contact blood smearing, blood associated with footwear tread marks and a contact bloodstain containing apparent ridge detail.

The forensic expert’s instructions

A forensic expert in bloodstain pattern analysis was asked to review:

• bloodstain patterns at the scene;
• bloodstaining on clothing attributed to the defendant and co-defendant;
• bloodstaining associated with their footwear;
• contact stains, blood spots and footwear marks; and
• the prosecution’s interpretation of the forensic evidence.

The expert witness was also asked to consider whether the blood evidence provided reliable information about the defendant’s location, movements or actions during the incident.

Independent bloodstain pattern analysis

The forensic expert reviewed the available bloodstain evidence and considered whether the observed patterns were consistent with the accounts given by those involved.

The review did not identify a material error in the prosecution expert’s interpretation of the individual bloodstains. However, several findings were not explained by the defendant’s recollection of events.

There were possible explanations for these gaps. The defendant maintained that he had been outside the room, asleep or dazed during parts of the incident and alleged that the co-defendant had attacked the deceased.

The absence of a complete explanation for every bloodstain did not, by itself, demonstrate that the defendant had participated in the assault.

Expert witness conclusion

The forensic expert witness concluded that the bloodstain pattern evidence did not contradict the defendant’s account of his actions during the incident.

This distinction was important. The forensic evidence could not establish that the defendant had carried out the fatal assault simply because he was unable to explain every bloodstain or event within the room.

The findings were presented in an independent forensic expert report for use by the defence legal team and the court.

Case outcome

The defendant was found not guilty of both murder and manslaughter.

This case demonstrates how an independent forensic expert witness can test the interpretation of blood evidence, identify the limits of the scientific findings and assess whether the evidence supports or contradicts a defendant’s account.

Instruct a bloodstain pattern analysis expert witness

Bericon Forensics provides access to experienced forensic experts for criminal defence cases involving:

• bloodstain pattern analysis;
• blood distribution on clothing and footwear;
• impact, contact and transfer bloodstains;
• alleged assault reconstructions;
• crime scene blood evidence;
• review of prosecution forensic reports; and
• preparation of independent expert witness reports.

Our forensic experts can review the scientific evidence, respond to specific defence propositions and explain their conclusions clearly for solicitors, counsel and the court.

Contact Bericon Forensics to discuss the instruction of a bloodstain pattern analysis expert witness.