A comparative study on variation in bloodstain patterns due to change in surface-using blood from four common animal species

Abstract

Bloodstain pattern analysis is the collection, categorisation and interpretation of the shape and distribution of bloodstains associated with heinous crimes involving bloodshed such as homicide and suicide. The interpretation of the information is aimed at supporting inferences relating to actions that took place during an event involving blood and corroborating witness’s statements, and identifying the participants. Bloodstain pattern analysis involves the application of scientific techniques to reconstruct events that resulted in a bloodstain pattern. Blood spatter patterns, at the scene of a violent crime can indicate how the crime occurred. The shape of spots of blood can provide information which may be helpful in reconstruction of sequence of events. In the present study the blood of four common animal species-human (Homo sapien sapiens), pig (sus scrofa domestica), goat (Capra ibex) and chicken (Gallus gallus) was allowed to fall from a fixed height of 14 inches on different horizontal surfaces. Twelve surface were chosen for the present study which included cardboard, cotton cloth, glass, metal, polished shoe, skin, thermocol, thin paper, thick smooth paper, wood, white tile and floor. The interspecies variation in shape and diameter of bloodstain pattern was studied.