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Bite Marks. Often there are bite marks that can be used to identify perpetrators Most often seen in rape, murder, child abuse and spousal abuse Actual pattern varies depending on: Material bitten Presence / absence of teeth Alignment of teeth. Bite Marks.
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Bite Marks • Often there are bite marks that can be used to identify perpetrators • Most often seen in rape, murder, child abuse and spousal abuse • Actual pattern varies depending on: • Material bitten • Presence / absence of teeth • Alignment of teeth
Bite Marks Human bite marks vary according to: • Type of tissue bitten • Muscle / connective tissues = distinct • Fat = less distinctive • Biting force • Playful (offensive) bite marks = more distinctive • Aggressive ( defensive) bite marks = less distinct, tearing , bruising, repeated biting • Resistance by victim • Higher resistance = less distinctive • More compliant (or dead) victim = more distinctive
Bite Marks • Bite marks • Deceased vs. Living victims • Useful descriptors related to bite marks on deceased • Time of Death • Response of assailant or victim
Bite Marks Time of Death • Antemortem (pre death) • heart beating = diffuse bruising (spreading) • Agonal / perimortem ( during death ) • Bite marks within 5 minutes of death • Heart is in process of stopping • Well-defined bruising pattern • Postmortem ( after death) • Blood coagulated ( clotted) • Well defined impression • No bruising
Bite Marks • Offensive bite marks • Well defined pattern • Usually singular pattern • Associated with arousal • Most often post mortem
Bite Marks • Defensive bite marks • Not well defined pattern, possible tearing • Multiple bite patterns • Used as defense against assault
Bite Mark evidence collection • First determine if it is indeed a bitemark (wm3) • Appropriate tools • Dedicated dimensional ruler –all photos • Bite mark kit • Swabbed Three times • Saliva, ABO blood group, amylase • DNA • microorganisms
Bite Mark evidence collection • Photographs • dimensional ruler • dimensions labeled • Varying lights and exposure • Reposition in manner it was inflicted
Bite Mark evidence collection • Due to inflammation, evidence from bite marks on living victims must be obtained within 8 hours, and cannot be washed. They must be photographed multiple times over the next 7 days.
Bite Mark evidence collection • Impressions • Alginate impression material • Add quick set plaster • Cast are made from the impressions • If assailant is available impressions and cast are made • Microscopic analysis • Traces of saliva • microorganisms
Bite Mark evidence collection • Suspect collection • Body search waiver • Court order if necessary • Procedure is outlined to suspect • Every step is photographed and documented • Salivary swabs • Gum swabs • Impressions • Casts
Bite Mark evidence collection • Overlays • Prints are made of bite mark photos • Casts are marked along the biting (occlusal) surface and photographed and printed • Clear plastic sheets are placed over photos and marked • Then overlays are placed over actual bite mark and compared
Bite Mark evidence collection • Overlays • Prints are made of bite mark photos • Casts are marked along the biting (occlusal) surface and photographed and printed • Clear plastic sheets are placed over photos and marked • Then overlays are placed over actual bite mark and compared