In this case, blood back spatter was noted as far out as 7”. However, when human head hair was introduced, no back spatter or powder particles were noted at contact, near contact, or several inches away due to the hair blocking everything. Based on this testing, the state could not exclude the possibility the wife committed suicide since the medical examiner’s conclusion did not duplicate the actual situation with hair. It should be noted that the use of human blood can be hazardous due to blood droplets spraying on objects or the person. In this case, synthetic blood was utilized as it mimics the density and other characteristics of human blood1. 1. Meneely, Schuessler; Alternative Resources For Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. June 2011 Vol 27 No. 2 Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis by the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA) Toxicology continued from p. 49 THE FORENSIC FINAL Never assume that everything you receive from the state’s forensic work is complete. State forensic labs are limited by their knowledge, equipment, time to research unique issues and protocols. In most cases, the state’s forensic report only notes conclusions of their testing and has no opinions. One might consider contacting the state’s forensic lab person prior to trial for any opinions that may be discussed at trial. Also consider asking the state lab person what documents, reports or videos they were provided from the agency with the evidence. Never ask the lab for their “forensic notes” as the lab will ONLY provide you with what notes they deem necessary for you to review. Contact your forensic person and they will provide you with specific documents or a template you can use to send to the DDA or lab to get the correct documents. In many cases, the absence of evidence may be the answer to your case. 50 Trial Lawyer | Winter 2025
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