Murder at Prospect Cove

A Crime Scene Investigation

Overview:  The purpose of this lab is to learn about the science of forensic geology and to analyze the properties of crystalline trace evidence found at a crime scene including color, texture, luster and size. 

Case #485:  A male victim was discovered at Prospect Cove, a popular beach, on Thursday Feb. 5 at approximately 3:19 am.  The vic was stabbed numerous times including a fatal wound through the aorta which led to death, according to the autopsy.  Several defensive wounds on the hands indicate that there was a struggle.  The murder weapon has not been retrieved.  No biological evidence, other than the vic’s blood, was found at the scene.  Several indistinguishable footprints lead towards and away from the crime scene.  The Cove is known for its unique sand.  Trace evidence was found on and in the victim’s clothing including sand, dirt, and unknown crystalline substances.

Background and Potential Suspects:

1. Victim’s wife, recently took out a large life insurance policy
2. Victim’s business partner A, stands to take over business upon victim’s death
3. Victim’s business partner B, same as partner A
4. Victim’s business consultant, recently provided advice that led to bad business decisions and the loss of millions of dollars.
5. Victim’s secretary, no alibi for time of the murder
6. Victim’s personal assistant, had access to inside personal and business information
7. Victim’s step-son, had a recent falling out with the victim

All suspects have been questioned about their relationship to the victim, their whereabouts during the murder (alibi), and what they know about the incident.  While some suspects accused others of having a motive, little valuable information was obtained.  During questioning detectives found samples of what appeared to be sand on each of the suspects, in shoe treads, on clothing, and attached to other belongings.  Several of the suspects indicated that they had recently visited a beach; however none admitted to being at Prospect Cove in the past 12 months.

Task:  Analyze the 7 samples of evidence found on the suspects.  Each bag contains samples which should not be opened or contaminated in any way.  They are labeled with numbers 1-7 which match with the suspect numbers above.  Your goal is to match one of the 7 samples with the sample taken from the suspects clothing.  A positive match would place one or more of the suspects at the crime scene and could potentially prove to be important evidence in the case.  None of the 7 admitted to being at Prospect Cove and any match would prove the suspect lied to investigators. 

Analyze each sample and enter notes on the data in the table below copied into your notes:

Color: what color(s) is the sample

Texture: is the sample smooth, rough or somewhere in between

Size: are the particles fine, medium or coarse grained

Luster: the “sheen” of the substance or how it reacts to light

Compare the data for each suspect to the sample found on the victim.  Does one of the suspects data match with the victim?

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Enter your answer on Edu 2.0 under the assessment/quiz: “Murder at Prospect Cove” which is only one question.