Lyght Detective Agency

https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/brissa-romero-disappearance-new-details-search-missing-carpentersville-girl

Thumbtack
Ashley gave you a 5 star review.
Ashley Y.

Process Serving

gold star gold star gold star gold star gold star

Robert was amazing! I was skeptical from his previous reviews, but I have to remember everyones situation is not mines. And in all honestly Robert did exactly what he said and served the other party in a timely manner matter of fact he served them the same day and provided me with photos. I would highly recommend using his services. He does charge for the miles from his office to the location and back based on the attempts just something to keep in mind, but well worth the pay. Glad we were able to get this done.

https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/family-of-slain-81-year-old-continue-to-seek-answers-4-years-later/

Family of slain 81-year-old continue to seek answers 4 years later For more than four years, Ashanti Chimurenga has been haunted by one question: Who would want to murder her mother?

In the days of the internet, Tweeter, Facebook and TMZ Chicago finds itself in a quagmire of inefficiency, celebrity pandering, and lack of communication with the victim’s family. It was almost four years since the human remains were found in bins Sunday after a real estate agent who had been trying to reach the woman for days noticed a foul odor and called police. Yet The case of Jessie Smollett had over $130,000.00 dollars all to discover the hoax perpetrated on the people of Chicago. Sadly in the wake of the senseless murder of Thana Muhammad, shows a remarkable absence of progress despite yet untested evidence, blood, and other data not followed up on leaving the family thirsty for news and updates.



https://www.foxnews.com/us/police-find-dismembered-remains-of-81-year-old-chicago-woman.

CHICAGO, Illinois -- An elderly woman's family is seeking justice after she was found brutally murdered.

The daughter of 81-year-old Thana Muhammad said her mother's body was found on Sunday inside her home.

Ashanti Chimurenga said "a monster" dismembered Thana's body before placing the pieces inside of two plastic storage bins, WGN-TV reports.

When police arrived at Muhammad's home, her four-door Honda Accord was found stolen along with her purse. The vehicle was found by police on Thursday.

Family members remembered Thana as an active part of her community in Chicago's west side.

"For 40 years, my mother did X-rays, ultrasounds, saving babies' lives...that was my mother, Thana Muhammad," Ashanti said. "...My mother had a right to be safe."

The family is offering a $5,000 reward for clues that will lead to her killer or killers.





Chicago police find dismembered remains of 81-year-old woman

The Associated Press June 11, 2018 - 4:02 pm

CHICAGO — Police in Chicago say they’ve discovered the dismembered body of an 81-year-old woman in her home.

Human remains were found in bins Sunday after a real estate agent who had been trying to reach the woman for days noticed a foul odor and called police.

Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson says the crime scene was “very clean.” Investigators are assuming the woman was killed in her home. Her name hasn’t been released.

Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi says someone put a lot of effort into a “horrific act.”



UNSOLVED: Elderly woman’s dismembered body found in 2 plastic bins inside home

by Jacquelyn Gray June 18, 2018

An investigation is underway after an 81-year-old woman’s body was found in two plastic bins inside her Illinois home.

According to WLS, officers performing a wellness check on June 10 discovered Thana Muhammad’s body in her basement. Sources told the network that the octogenarian had been “cut in half.” Meanwhile, police said she had sustained “severe trauma to her body.”

WGN-TV reported that Muhammad’s purse and 2012 Honda Accord were also stolen. Law enforcement ultimately located the vehicle Thursday in Chicago’s West Side.

Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson suggested that Muhammad might’ve known her killer.

“They put a lot of thought into what they did,” Johnson said, according to WLS. “The crime scene was very clean. They took their time and meticulously tried to hide what they had done.”

Despite Johnson’s comments, authorities haven’t announced a motive or cause of death.

The station reported that Muhammad, a retired radiologist, owned several properties in Chicago’s South and West Side. She reportedly moved into the Rosemoor neighborhood home—which she had rented out—two weeks before her murder.

Relatives said Muhammad was active in the community and that they didn’t know of anyone who wanted to hurt her. On Friday, they announced they are offering $5,000 for information leading to the 81-year-old’s killer.

“She did not deserve this, Chicago,” the victim’s daughter, Camille Durham, said.

“This is a monster. This is a monster.”

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about Thana Muhammad’s murder is urged to call Area South Detectives at 312-747-8271.

Police find dismembered remains of 81-year-old Chicago woman Police in Chicago say they've discovered the dismembered body of an 81-year-old woman in her home.

As we celebrate all our mothers, hold tight to the ones who we love.

This is a good read...Copied from a Drilling Engineer:

So let me get this straight. It takes between 21 to 35 days for a Russian oil tanker to get to US ports to be offloaded. It takes between 35 and 60 days for a tanker from the Middle East to make the same trek. It takes about 10 hours to load the tanker and up to 24 hours to unload. If it has to wait in port to get to an unloading dock, it can take up to 3 days. The average tanker burns 2,625 gallons of diesel fuel per hour. 22.38 pounds of CO2 are created from burning 1 gallon of diesel fuel. So, in one hour, a tanker ship hauling oil to a refinery in the US creates 58,757.5 pounds of CO2 per hour. Averaging the travel time of the tankers, that's 27.67 million tons of CO2 per trip. In comparison, your car creates between 6 and 9 tons per year. Without going into all the equations of how many tankers come to the US per year, let alone our exports, will someone please explain to me how drilling our own oil and moving it through pipelines, along with importing oil from Canada via pipeline will not be more environmentally "green" for the world.

With winter winds ebbing and our days getting longer, we rejoice with the coming of spring and God's demonstration of his love on the cross.

Barbecue in Bartlett

Our world is on a steady decline and the streets have greased the skids. Why do we stand by and allow our children to be human targets. We as a nation need to grow a pair and find our voices. Speak out and stop the violence.
Way to often are the elderly or the fairer s*x are assaulted, robbed of their assets and dignity and all too often these encounters end up as just another statistical nightmare.

So why is getting a licensed private detective so important...

All licensed private detectives needs to meet rigorous standards and have a outstanding record free from any hint of wrong doings.

We have to be above reproch in all of our dealings in short you are only as good as your reputation tells the public thinks you are.

Licensed Private detective need to be well rounded in a variety of areas. The more education your private detective has the better chance of finding a match to the needs of the investigation you have.

When looking to retain a private detective pay attention to how closely they listen to your needs and how well they are able to answer your questions.

I pray that if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact our team and take advantage of our free consultation. Call us at 847-624-0627 or check out our website at lyghtdetectiveagency.com

Veteran Owned, Private Investigation Co., serving Chicago Area Since 1977. private investigation, Asset Search, Background Check, Bug Sweep, Bug Detection, and TSCM, Child Support / Custody, Civil, Computer Forensics / Cyber Crime,

We at the Lyght Detective Agency wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and remind you to keep Christ in Christmas and wish you a safe, healthy and prosperity for the new year....

Have You ever felt like justice has left you wanting a mulligan? We at the Lyght detective agency work for you and your defense team. We have built a reputation within the walls of Statesville, Dixon, Western Illinois, and Lawrence Correctional Facilities. We also do child custody and infidelity verification.

On or about September 9th, 2018 the body of David Waue was found in a three-unit apartment building that in the mist of renovation following extensive fire damage. It was estimated he had laid there 2-3 days. The coroner waited about a week prior to doing the postmortem exam and ruled it to be an overdose.
Looking at the photos taken by the Chicago Police Department you can step in the shoes of the detective’s shoes. What do you see? That question was asked a month ago.
1) A clear plastic yellow butane lighter was laying approximately 2 inches superior to the right knee.
2) What appears to be a boot print on the left leg.
3) A patch of lighter skin was discovered adjacent his belt loop.
4) Much lighter skin tone noted in both the index and middle fingers of his left hand.
5) Plastic wrap from the windows waiting to be installed appears to be under his head and appears that at one time covered his face. The excessive volume of blood and body fluids on the plastic suggest other that natural causes.
6) Swelling around the eyes and cheek may indicate a an altercation and abrasions form a physical altercation.
7) The t-shirt was stained with blood and bodily fluids that appear to have continued to his back.
Please review our findings and feel free to add anything we may have missed.

What do you see? please comment below..

What do you see?
During our investigation David’s mother, wife and I took note of the following: When David’s body was found he was wearing a pair of dark blue “Dockers” on the right pant appears to be a tear as well as a foot or boot print located below the left knee, a pair of black socks, and on the floor were resting a newer pair of hiking boots.
At this point there was no fowl play detected.
what are your thoughts?

Now that we have an understanding of the problem that plagues both the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Medical Examiner office. We can examine each step of their ”investigation” and together we may create a new standard for them to aspire to….
We will look at the photos one at a time and share with each other what we see. Giving you all the opportunity to step into the shoes of a detective and see with their eyes…

{Revised; 3/01)

Homicide Investigation Standard Operating Procedures

John M. Howell

1999


Contents
I. First Officer at Scene-Duties and Responsibilities 1
A. Arrive Safely ............................................................................................1..
8. Ensure Safety at the Scene 1
C. Arrange for Medical Assistance 2
D. Apprehend Any Suspects 2
E. Secure the Crime Scene 3
F. Call for Assistance 4
II. Investigator-Duties andResponsibilities 6.
A. Assess the Scene 6
8. Manage the Scene 7
C. Initial Documentation of the Scene 8
D. Canvass the Area 9
E. Suspect 1.0
F. Scene Processing 10
1. Photographs and Videotape 1. 1
2. Crime Scene Search 1. 3
3. Crime Scene Sketch 1. 5
4. Latent Fingerprints 15
5. Trace Evidence, Fluids , and Fibers 15
6. Evidence Control 16
G. Notification 17
Ill. Summary 18
Appendix A: Advice of Rights and Waiver Form 19




I. First Officer at Scene-Duties and Responsibilities
The actions taken by the initial responding officer will greatly affect the success or fail­ ure of the homicide investigation. The officer must arrive at the scene safely, defuse any dangerous situations, provide medical assistance, apprehend any suspects , secure the scene, identify witnesses, and call for appropriate assistance.

A. Arrive Safely
Principle: The initial duty of the responding officer is to arrive at the scene safely and observe all activity taking place there. Crashing a police cruiser on the way to the scene draws resources away from the investigation and delays the response to the scene. De­ lays may cause some crucial observations , evidence, or witnesses to go undiscovered.

Policy: The initial responding officer should proceed to the scene quickly but cautiously, park in a way that does not disturb the scene, take time to absorb all details of the scene, and document all observations (what the officer sees, hears , smell s, etc.). The officer should proceed cautiously so as not to contaminate or destroy possible evidence.
Procedure: First, get to the scene safely. Next, document everything you observe upon arrival. Check on the location and condition of the victim. Observe whether any persons or vehicles are leaving the area, and determine the identity of all persons present. Take note of the weather conditions, the lighting conditions, the time you arrived , etc. Use all your powers of observation, and document everything. Note also what is present at the scene that should not be there, and also what should be at the scene but is absent.

B. Ensure Safety at the Scene
Principle: The safety of others at the scene and those responding is of paramount impor­ tance.

Policy: The initial responding officer must identify and defuse any potentially dangerous situations. The scene may contain suspects, unattended weapons, or an unruly crowd, and assaults or fights may still be in progress.


Procedure: Scan the area for potential hazards , such as weapons , fire, chemicals, electri­ cal l ines , gas lines , i ndiv idua ls , explosiv es, or anima ls . Call for assistance to neutralize any hazards d is covered.

C. Arrange for Medical Assistance
Principle: The primary responsibility of every law enforcement officer is to preserve life.

Policy: The initial responding officer must ensure that medical assistance is provided to any injured victim or suspect.
Procedure: Although saving lives is always the number one prio rity, you still have other responsibilities that must not be neglected. Record the identity of the medical personnel who arrive on the scene, record the time they arri ve, and direct them to the persons who require assis tance, using just one way in and one way out to minimize crime scene con­ tam ina tion .
If rescue personnel arrive before you do, ask what time they arrived and document that information as well as their identity. Establish what has been moved at the scene (victim , wea pon , etc.), what has been removed from the scene, what may have been al tered , and how the rescue personnel entered the scene. If any victim or suspect has been transported for medical treatment, call for patrol units to be dispatched to the medical facility and remain with the victim or suspect until relieved by investigative personnel. If poss i ble , patrol units should accompany anyone transported from the scene. All this information must be meticulously doc um ent ed.

Accept the fact that rescue personnel will disturb the crime scene. Your responsibility is to minimize the amount of disturbance without unnecessarily hindering their life-saving efforts.

If there is a possibility that the victim may die , attempt to obtain a dying declaration. For the declaration to be of use , the victim must be aware that he or she has sustained life­ threatening injuries and may be about to die. Whether the victim does, in fact, die is im­ mater ial , as long as the victim believed he or she was about to expire.

D. Apprehend Any Suspects
Principle: The responding officer must effect the arrest of those persons involved in the crime if it is safe to do so.

Policy: A law enforcement officer will take into custody any person who has committed a crime against the laws of the jurisdiction. The officer will ensure that the suspect is af-


forded all rights accorded to him or her by the applicable laws of the jurisdiction and the Constitution of the United States.

Procedure: If the suspect is still at the scene when you arrive, and you can safely make an arrest, do so. If you believe backup might be requ ired, wait for assistance. You have just responded to one hom ici de; there is no need for you to become the victim of another .

If the suspect is arrested at the scene, wait for the homicide detective to conduct the inter­ rogation. If the suspect has to be transported from the scene , make sure the transporting officer does not question the suspect. If the suspect volunteers any statemen ts, document what he or she says and note the dat e, tim e, locatio n, and circumstances of the statement.

If it is necessary to question the suspect immediately, you must read the Miranda rights to the suspect first. Depending on state law, any waiver of those rights must be intelligently given-in wr iti ng, if at all possi ble . See Appendix A for an example of a written wa i ver.

The suspect may begin to give a statement and then decide to stop. If so, advise the de­ tective assigned to the case so he or she may attempt to obtain another waiver. In any case , once the suspect invokes his or her Miranda righ ts, the questioning must cease.

E. Secure the Crime Scene
Principle: Controlling the crime scene, a task that includes securing the area and identi­ fying those present , is an extremely important function of the first officer on the scene. The degree to which these tasks are accomplished will have a great effect on the investi­ gation.

Policy: The initial responding officer must secure the crime scene , identify those persons present , and limit access to the scene to authorized personnel onl y.

Procedure: If you have established that the victim is deceased and the suspect is not at the scene, securing the crime scene is your most important responsibility. Cordon off the area and prohibit entry to any one . Use crime scene tape, rope, vehi cles, or barr icades, or simp ly lock a door and station an officer at the entrance. Record the identity of anyone entering the scene (such as rescue personnel, other law enforcement officers, the medical examine r, or the prosecuting attorney) , the time in and out, and the reason for entry.
Take steps to protect evidence that may be lost or contaminated by the element s, foot­ steps, vehicle tracks, etc. A few key points to not e:

• Protection of the crime scene is paramount. Nothing at the scene should be moved or touched unless absolutely necessary. Within the boundaries of the crime scene, neither the telephone nor the bathroom should be used under any cir­ cumstances.


• Persons to be excluded from the scene include law enforcement officers not as­ signed to the case, po li ticians , members of the media, family , and friends.

• Members of the media may demand access to the scene, insisting upon the pub­
li c' s " right to know. " This " right" does not exist if it would hamper the homicide investigation. Cooperation with members of the media is desi rable, but not if it interferes with the investigation.

• Family members and friends of the victim may also be present. These people must be treated compassionately but still be kept away from the crime scene.

After securing the crime scene, you must identify witnesses and gather related informa­ tion. Note the follow i ng:

• Most people will cooperate with your efforts to obtain their identit ies, but some will not.

• A few discreetly taken photographs of the crowd of onlookers may assist in iden­ tifying witnesses and , possi bly, suspect s.

• Keep witnesses separated from one another in order to prevent them from influ­ encing each other' s description of the suspect and version of what transpired. Keep witnesses separated even when they are being transported to another loca­ tion for interviews.

• Take witnesses ' preliminary stateme nts , which will be turned over to investiga­ tive personnel when they arr ive. Even though detectives will take subsequent statements from witnesses, you must accurately and completely document any ini­ tial statement s.

• You may encounter reluctant witnesses. Attempt to gain their cooperation by ap­ pealing to their sense of civic respons i bili ty. At a minimum , obtain accurate identification so that investigative personnel may conduct follow-up interviews. At this stage of the i nv estigatio n, you cannot be certain of anyone' s degree of in­ volvement or knowledge of the crime. Obtaining accurate identification from all persons is an extremely important responsibil it y.

• If several suspects are lo cated, they must be kept separate from one another so they do not have the opportunity to compare notes and concoct a plausible expla­ nation for their activities.

F. Call for Assistance
Although this step is done concurrently with other dut ies, it is listed separately to show the basic notifications that must be made.


Principle: The presence of appropriate, specially trained personnel on the crime scene is essential in furthering the investigative process.

Policy: The initial responding officer shall request additional personnel to assist in crowd control, maintaining the perimeter, gathering witness information, transporting witnesses or susp ects, processing the scene, searching the scene, canvassing the area, and other tasks.

Procedure: Notify your communications unit of exactly where you are, what you hav e, and what you need. Resources to consider requesting include these:

• Additional patrol units

• Immediate supervisor

• Rescue personnel

• Homicide detective

• Evidence technician

• Public information officer

• Notification of chain of command

You may not receive all the assistance you request. Technicians or detectives may not be readily ava ila ble, the public information officer may be at another scene, or your imme­ diate supervisor may be temporarily unavailable. Focus your efforts on the listed duties in the order in which they are presented in this document. If all you can do is to secure the crime scene, make sure to do so. Although it is not the best scenar io , witnesses can be located later, the crime scene can be processed later, and the suspect can be appre­ hended later. By cont rast, a dying victim cannot be saved later and a crime scene cannot be secured lat er. Using your available resources to perform tasks in the right priority will minimize any negative impact on the homicide investigation.



II. Investigator-Duties and Responsibilities

An investigator ' s equipment list can be found in Appendix C.

A. Assess the Scene
Principle: The investigator's scene assessment determines the nature of the incident and the level of investigative response nec essary. Search warrant requirements need to be established when necessary.

Policy: The investigator will document preliminary in formatio n, evaluate the complexity and scope of the scene, and plan the course of the invest igation .

Procedure: As the i nv estiga tor, you must pay attention to details and document every­ thing you observe and do. At a min i mum , you must do the following:

• Record the time of your arrival at the scene and the exact location of the scene.

• Record the existing weather and lighting conditions.

• Record information about the first officer on the scene-for example, the time the call was rece i ved, the time the officer arrived, and the officer ' s name, ID number , and unit number.

• Interview the first officer on the scene. Make sure his or her duties have been carried out and documented.

• Record the notification information-in other words , who was notified by the first officer and when. If the first officer on the scene has not documented the
notificat io ns, contact your communications unit , which should have some or all of that information.

• Interview any other police officers or rescue personnel on the scene. Ascertain what actions they may have taken , and document that information.

• Arrange for witness interviews and transportation. Keep all witnesses separated from each other so their perception of what occurred is not influenced by anyone else . A brief interview may be done at the scene to establish whether a potential witness has information about the inci dent . The more formal and detailed inter­ view should be conducted at your office . The witness ' s statement should be writ­ ten , audio taped, or both .


• Examine the victim. Take the same route in and out of the scene as others have taken.

• Note the condition of the body and take preliminary photographs before you ver­ ify death .

• Take control of the crime scene. Check the perimeter and expand it if necessary. Call for assistance if you need help maintaining the per imet er, controlling the crowd, canvassing the area, transporting wit nesses , collecting evide nce , or search­ ing and processing the scene.

• Make sure that, if two witnesses have to ride in the same veh icle, the transporting officer does not allow them to discuss what they observed.

• Establish the extent of the scene. Ask yourself where the victim and suspect met , where the victim was kil le d, where the victim was found , and how the victim got to the scene. Establish what happened before the crime , during the crime, and af­ ter the crime.

• Bear in mind that you may have more than one scene to secur e, canvass , and process. Identify the victim promptly so that you can backtrack his or her move­ ments and locate possible witnesses and suspects.

• Safeguard all evidence and arrange for evidence collection and crime scene proc­ essing.

• lf crime scene technicians are not readily ava il able , photograph the scene, video­ tape it, or do both. lf the scene is indoors, seal the building until the technicians arrive. lf the scene is outsid e, protect it from the elements as much as possible without contaminating the evidence. A contaminated piece of evidence may be virtually us eless; a degraded piece of evidence will still retain some value. lf you have to process the scene and collect the evidence yourself, do not hesitate to ask for assistance from your department or from county , state , or other agencies. Be especially careful of fragile evidence such as hairs, fibers , and shoe or tire im­ pressions , which may require immediate attent ion .

B. Manage the Scene
Principle: Basic principles apply to all homicide inv estigatio ns. The nature of the inci­ dent and the extent of the scene will determine the scope of the actions taken.

Policy: The investigator will make preliminary ass ig n ments , document obse rvat io ns , and work with patrol to establish a command post outside the crime scene.


Procedure: Assign a recording officer to document all persons present, noting when they arrived, when they left, and what they did. The recording officer should also grant entry only to those with a need to enter and direct them to use a single path in and out. Think of how the perpetrator may have entered and exited the scene, and see that every­ one avoids those routes.

In addition you must document conditions at the scene: whether windows and doors are open or closed, whether electrical equipment is on or off, what vehicles are present, and what their condition is (for example, engine on or off, keys present, radio station selected, tape or CD player running)

With assistance from patrol, establish a command post outside the crime scene. Ideally, you should have two telephone lines (one for incoming calls, another for outgoing calls). If only one telephone line is available, use it for incoming calls. Outgoing notifications can be handled by the communications unit via police radio. Bear in mind, however, that many people (members of the media, criminals, and police buffs) have scanners that can pick up police radio transmissions. If no telephones are avail able , all communications must take place via police radio.

Take care to note any observations not already recorded by the first officer on the scene. You will know what he or she recorded because you will have interviewed that officer as soon as you arrived.

C. Initial Documentation of the Scene
Principle: The investigator's initial observations about the scene establish the scope of the investigation and identify possible sources of scene contamination, as well as the lo­ cation of evidentiary items that may later be lost, contaminated, or degraded. Photo­ graphs, sketches, notes, and videotape provide a permanent historical record of the crime scene and must be completed in a professional manner.

Policy: The investigator will conduct a walk-through of the scene, being careful not to disturb items of evidentiary value. A permanent record of the scene, as found, will be made.

Procedure: Record all evidence before moving or altering anything at the scene. Take special note of fragile evidentiary items so they may be collected expeditiously. Docu­ ment the type of evidence, exactly where it was located, what time it was discovered, and who discovered it.

Photograph or videotape the scene (or do both), including each item of evidence. This process will be discussed in detail later.

Produce a rough crime scene sketch, remembering that it is subject to discovery by the defense attorney. Record exact measurements and precise locations of all items in the


sketch. This procedure requires taking measurements and locating evidentiary items while accurately depicting the physical environment of the crime scene. A finished sketch, to scale, should be completed later.
Take steps to protect evidence from the elements and from those present at the scene until the evidence is collected by crime scene technicians.
Ensure that no one smokes, uses the bathroom, uses the telephone, turns water or lights on or off, or does anything else that may compromise the scene. Make sure the scene is not altered in any way.

D. Canvass the Area
Principle: Locating and identifying witnesses helps in both developing and eliminating possible suspects. More homicides have been solved by canvassing and re-canvassing the area than by any other method.

Policy: The investigator in charge will arrange for the canvassing of the area, using all available resources. Canvassers must cover not only the area where the victim was dis­ covered but also any other scenes that have been or may be established (such as where the victim and suspect first met, where the crime occurred, and the location of any vehi­ cle involved).

Procedure: Have personnel go door-to-door in the area of the scene to locate and iden­ tify all witnesses. You may photograph bystanders in order to identify and interview them later. Instruct the canvassers to record the location of negative contacts to allow for follow-up at a later time.

Require the canvassers to take statements from all persons contacted, clarify that com­ plete and accurate statements are critical, and emphasize that canvassers should note whether any witnesses must remain anonymous.

During late-night canvasses, only the significant witnesses and actual eyewitnesses should be interviewed in detail i mmediate ly. The others need only be identified for fur­ ther interview later.

As the investigator, you must give the canvassers enough information that they can intel­ ligently conduct interviews and ask pertinent follow-up questions. Stress that ALL statements must be accurately documented.

Ensure that the canvassers properly identify all witnesses so they can be located and in­ terviewed again Re-canvassing the area helps ensure that all persons with knowledge of the crime have been lo cated, identified, and interviewed.

See Appendix D for an example of a canvass questionnaire.


E. Suspect
Principle: Proper handling of a potential suspect minimizes legal roadblocks to a suc­ cessful prosecution.
Policy: The investigator will ensure that all suspects are afforded the rights to which they are entitled.

Procedure: Do the following with respect to the suspect:

• If a suspect is lo cated, do not return him or her to the scene, as doing so may con­ taminate the scene.

• Advise the suspect of his or her rights before conducting questioning. Use a rights card (see Appendix E for an example) , and include that card with your other evidence .

• Try to obtain an intelligently given written waiver (see Appendix A). If the sus­ pect waives his or her rights but will not sign the wa i ver , make an audiotape or videotape (or both) of the waiver and have a third party witness the wa iver .

• If you yourself do not transport the suspec t, advise the transporting officer not to question the suspect but to document any statement the suspect makes .

• Do not allow the suspect to wash hands or change clot hes , as doing so may de­ stroy trace evidence.

• If it seems necessary , seize the suspect's clothing and shoes and provide the sus­ pect with other clothing to wear (a sweat suit and slippers would be acceptable).

• Record or otherwise document all statements made by suspect. Videotaping is best.

• If the prosecuting attorney is available, have him or her witness the interrogation and help formulate the scope of the in terrogat ion .

• Stop questioning the suspect if he or she requests an attorne y.

F. Scene Processing
Principle: Thorough searching and documentation of a crime scene reflects the investi­ gator' s professionalism and is a major factor in closing the case and gaining a successful prosecution.


Policy: The investigator will arrange for a complete crime scene search and make a per­ manent historical record of the scene and all actions taken.

Procedure: The steps for crime scene processing involve photographing or videotaping the overall scene; conducting a thorough crime scene search; producing a rough sketch; processing the scene for latent fingerprints; identifying, documenting, and collecting trace evidence; and controlling evidence.

1. Photographs and Videotape

The first shot should be of a 3 x 5 index card that gives the following information: de­ partment name and telephone number (crucial if film is sent out for developing); case number, type of case, and location; date, time, and weather; lighting conditions; camera type; film type; and photographer. Instant photos (Polaroids) may be taken for immedi­ ate viewing by commanders if needed.

First-Shot Photo Card

Take overall shots of the crime scene and then proceed to take closeups. Subjects for closeups include the victim, wounds, and all items of evidentiary value (including latent prints). Place a ruler in the photograph to show the scale of the item photographed.

Use a photo information sheet to record specifically what is being photographed and what the camera settings are.


Photo Information Sheet

Your Department Name
Photo Information Sheet
Case #: Date and Time:
Camera Type: Film Type:

Photo # Description Distance Flash F-stop
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

When videotaping, either dub the information at the beginning of the tape or use the same type of3 x 5 index card as used with photographs. Document the same information for items recorded as with items photographed. Because the videotape is also discoverable by the defense, you must be careful about the audio that is recorded. In a crowded crime scene, an off-camera comment may adversely affect the prosecution of the case. Unless you are


absolutely sure that unintended comments will not be recorde d, leave the audio off and document in writing what is being recorded. You may still need a ruler for scale in some shots.

2. Crime Scene Search

The size, location, and complexity of the scene usually determine the search method used. The three commonly used methods for searching a crime area are the strip method , the zone method, and the grid method .

The strip method is effective in a large, open area and is easily implemented using any number of searchers. Also, a single searcher may use this method when searching a sin­ gle room. Essentially , the searcher travels in a straight line from one end of the search area to another , and then proceeds in the opposite direction. See the diagram below:

Strip Method of Searching Crime Scene

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-

The grid method is basica lly the strip method performed in two directions. After search­ ing in one direction , the searcher proceeds in a perpendicular direction. This technique allows for the same area to be searched twice. The method is efficient and thorough for large areas using any number of searchers. It is the most effective search method for al­ most every situatio n.


Grid Method of Searching Crime Scene

The zone method compartmentalizes the search area into blocks. Searchers are assigned to individual blocks (zones) , for which they are respons ible. It is also useful to alternate the searchers after they have completed their assigned areas; their different perspectives may uncover evidence missed by earlier searchers.

Zone Method of Searching Crime Scene

1
2

3

4 5 6

7
8

Two additional methods, wheel and spiral, are rarely used. In the wheel method, search­ ers start in the center of the scene and search in a straight line outward, forming the spokes of a wheel. Unfortunately, evidence may be destroyed as the searchers assemble in the middle of the scene or may be missed as the distance between the searchers in­ creases as they near the perimeter. In the spiral method, a single searcher starts at either the center of the scene or the periphery and then spirals in or out. As the spiral widens, evidence may be overlooked.


An example of a search consent form can be found in Appendix G.

3. Crime Scene Sketch

Only one person will sketch the crime scene, either you (the investigator) or the crime scene techn ici an, depending on departmental policy. First, take exact measurements at the scene. Located evidentiary items on the sketch by triangulation (using measurements from two fixed objects) or by using baseline me asurement s. Note the dimensions of the area sketched and the positioning of items in the sketch as they relate to one another.

Make the final sketch to scale. Include a legend box that indicates who completed the sketch, the date the sketch was comple ted, the case number , the exact location of the crime scene , the scale used in the sketch, an item key to identify all objects in the sketch , and the direction of true magnetic north.

A properly done crime scene sketch is free from distortion and does not contain extrane­ ous items, such as may be found in photographs and videotape . It is an unsurpassed tool for locating items within a crime scene and their exact position relative to one another . It is an essential visual aid to the in vestigator, potential witnesses , and the judge and jur y.

Both the rough sketch and the finished sketch are discoverable items. As such , they both must be preserved in their original states.

4. Latent Fingerprints

The process for obtaining fingerprints at a crime scene follows three steps: locate (usu­ ally by dusting) , photog raph, and then li ft. The print card must contain the following in­ formation: case numb er, description of print (thumb , pal m, etc.), where the print was lo­ cated on the scene, who located it, who lifted i t, evidence number for the pri nt, and photograph number of the print.

Try to raise prints from anything that the suspect may have touch ed, such as doors, win­ dows , switch plates, telephones, table s, glasses, or weapons. Remember that there are many ways to raise prints other than powder , such as alternate light sources and fuming processes.

A list of essential equipment for an investigator is included in Appendix F.

5. Trace Evidence, Fluids, and Fibers

Many types of trace evidence may be found at the crime scene. The proper packaging of each type of evidence is essential for conducting the necessary analysis. Fluid collection kits, HEPA vacuums with special filters, combs, brushes , vials, enve lopes, and bindle paper are some of the specialized items needed to retr ieve, package , and store such evi­ dence.


Handling fi****ms recovered from a crime scene is an extremely delicate process . The possibility of an accidental discharge is high. Do not attempt to unload the recovered weapon; instead, transport it to a fi****ms expert for unloading.

For all fi****ms seized, record the make, model, caliber, and serial number of the weapon. For revolvers, identify the location and number of spent and unspent rounds in the cylin­ der . For automatics, document the number of rounds remaining in the magazine.

Examine all weapons for trace evidence (such as fibers and bloo d). The rounds in the cylinder, spent casings, rounds in the magazine, and the magazine itself should all be processed for fingerprints. Afterwards, package the weapon properly and submit it for ballistic analysis.

6. Evidence Control

One person should be responsible for collecting and packaging all evidentiary items seized at the scene. If the crime scene is too large for that to be pract ical, assign areas of responsibility.

The chain of custody must be maintained for all items of evidence recovered. Whenever an item of evidence is transferred from one person's control to another person ' s control, that transfer must be documented. The chain of custody begins at the crime scene.

For each piece of evidence, document the following:

• Who found it

• What was found

• When and where it was found

• Who collected the evidence

• When the evidence was collected

• Where it was collected

• What was collected

• How the item was packaged

• Evidence number

• Photograph number

Photograph all pieces of evidence before collecting them. Document the location of each piece of evidence on the crime scene sketch. Record the identity of all personnel partici­ pating in the case, and note their assigned duties.


G. Notification
Principle: The prompt notification of the next of kin not only is a humanitarian gesture but also ma y further the investigative process.

Policy: The investigator shall identify the victim as soon as possible and then locate and arrange for notification of next of kin.

Procedure: Identifying the victim promptly helps you notify next of kin and develop leads and suspect information by backtracking the vict im' s activities.

The obvious first step is to check the victim for any form of identification. You should also take "clean" photographs of the victim to provide to the canvassers while they are carrying out their assignment.

Remember to check the missing persons cases on file with your own agency as well as surrounding jurisdictions. It has happened that a homicide detective and a m issin g per­ sons detective from the same department were working separate cases involving the same person. Avoid that embarrassment.

After processing for possible trace evidence under the fingernai ls , take the victim ' s fin­ gerprints and submit them to the FBI. Als o, conduct local, s tate, and national computer checks.

After identifying the victim, arrange for the next of kin to be notified (in person , if possi­ ble). Document who made the noti ficat ion , who was notified, and the date and time of notification. Make sure to notify the v ic ti m' s family rather than his or her friends ,
ne ig hbors , or associates.


Ill.Summary
Many topics in this paper could be a course of study all to themselves. This document intends only to provide a background in the basics of homicide investigation. Subjects such as interviewing and interrogation techn iques , crime scene sketching and photogra­ phy, collection and packaging of evidence , and processing for fingerprints and trace evi­ dence should all be studied in depth. A good investigator must keep abreast of new tech­ nologies and improved techniques throughout his or her law enforcement career.


Appendix A: Advice of Rights and Waiver Form

Case Numbe r

ADVICE OF RIGHTS AND WAIVER FORM

I am Officer - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - of the- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Police Department. Today ' s date is ,and the time is

I am now going to read to you your rights under the law. If you do not understand something that I say to you , please stop me, and I will explain it to you.

You have the right to remain silent. If you choose to give up this right , anything that you say can be used against you in court.

You have the right to talk to a lawyer before you are asked any questions and to have a lawyer with you while you are being questioned.

If you want a lawyer, but cannot afford one, a lawyer will be provided to you at no cost.

lfyou want to answer questions now without a lawyer present, you still have the right to stop answering questions at any time.

Yes No Initials

Do you understand these rights ?

Do you want to make a statement at this time without a lawyer ?

Have you been promised any th i ng, have you been offered any kind of reward or bene fit, or have you been threatened in any way in order to get you to make a statement?

Are you under the influence of drugs or alcohol at this time?

Officer's Signature Signature of Person Making Statement

Date and Time Form Completed Education Level ofPerson Making Statement