Question
You are called out to a following crime scene and are asked to assist in collecting the following types of evidence: biological (deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)),
You are called out to a following crime scene and are asked to assist in collecting the following types of evidence: biological (deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)), controlled dangerous substances, and questioned document. You are also tasked with documenting blood stain patterns.
Brief background of the circumstances surrounding this crime scene provided to you by the first responding law enforcement officer(s).
At approximately 3:15p.m., a homeowner returns to apartment located at 986 Lexus Street, Apt 121, Anytown, USA, to find front door unlocked. Upon entering the apartment, it is noticed that a window in the front room is broken. Homeowner steps out of the apartment and calls 911. The first two officers on the scene, tape off the area to include the side yard where the broken window is, and waits for the crime scene unit to arrive.
Appears that perpetrator(s) entered apartment through the window and exited through the front door. Neighbors did not hear or notice anything out of the ordinary.
After walk-through of the scene, officers discuss areas with homeowner. Homeowner, stated that did not leave any items out on counters, table, garbage can, or in bathroom. Homeowner stated that cleaning service there between 9am-11am to perform monthly cleaning; the service takes out all garbage. Homeowner stated had approximately $3000.00 in cash along with 6 baggies of medical marijuana and smoking pipe in the bedroom closet safe. Homeowner also has various pain medication in the medicine cabinet over bathroom sink; there should be 4 prescription bottles.
Exterior Walk-through of Scene Notes:
- Crowbar within bushes just outside of the living room window
- Some broken glass pieces in mulch and bush
Interior Walk-through of Scene Notes:
- Broken glass at living room window
- Elliptical blood stains on the broken window sash and adjacent wall
- Partially eaten apple on counter
- Marijuana pipe on counter along with plastic baggie (baggie appears to have some greenish-brown residue)
- Bloody dish towel on counter
- Various bloodstains on floor from living room window to kitchen counter
- Legal writing pad on table, appears to have pages torn from it, possible indentation
- 3 ink pens on table
- Partially open soda can on table
- Crumbled paper (similar to the paper from legal writing pad) in overturned trash can
- Open safe in closet appears power tool used to open safe (no applicable tools found in residence)
- Bloodstain on medicine cabinet mirror over bathroom sink
- Items from medicine cabinet strewn over sink area to include 2 prescription bottles, apparent reddish brown-staining noted on the prescription bottles
- Safe contains some documents, no cash or bags containing marijuana
Referring to the information provided about the crime scene, answer the following questions. As part of your responses, make sure that you are utilizing at least 3 intext citation sources in APA format to assist in your responses.
- Explain at least two challenges this crime scenario could present with evidence admissibility in a trial.
- Discuss how the evidence admissibility challenges discussed in the previous question could be avoided.
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started