Investigators: _________________
___________________________
___________________________
Date: _______________________
CHAIN OF EVIDENCE TABLE
| A. Collect and label forensic evidence. |
Completed |
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1. Locate evidence (numbered envelopes) taken from suspects. |
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2. Obtain a sample of evidence from one of the numbered envelopes and place in container labeled with the word “Suspect” and the envelope number. |
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3. Locate evidence (envelope) from victim and place a piece of “Murder Victim” evidence in a separate container labeled “MurderVictim.” |
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4. Proceed to work station with labeled evidence from suspect and victim. |
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| B. Examine forensic evidence. |
Suspect |
Victim |
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1. Water droplet placed on slide |
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2. Evidence examined with dissecting microscope |
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3. Small piece of clean tape obtained |
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4. Speck-like cleistothecia secured on tape |
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5. Tape pressed over water drop on slide |
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6. Check for successful evidence transfer to tape |
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7. Evidence examined with compound microscope |
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| C. Identify forensic evidence. |
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1. Type of appendage (arm) identified with key, using compound microscope |
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2. Cleistothecia gently smashed to observe number of asci (sacs) inside. |
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3. Information and drawings recorded on Forensic Evidence Data Table below. |
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Forensic Evidence Data Table |
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Characteristics of Cleistothecia |
Powdery Mildew
Genus |
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Types of Appendages |
Number of asci (sacs) per cleistothecium (one or several) |
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Murder Suspect (YOU) #______ |
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Murder Victim |
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Forensic Conclusions: Innocent or Guilty?
1) Compare the forensic plant pathology observations you have recorded for the two different samples. Are the appendages observed on the two different samples the same or are they different?
2) If the appendages you observed on the cleistothecia found on the plant material taken from your shoelaces (murder suspect) are different from appendages on the cleistothecia found on the plant material taken from the murder victim, what does this evidence suggest?
3) If the appendages on the cleistothecia found on the plant material taken from your shoelaces (murder suspect) are the same as the appendages on the cleistothecia found on the plant material taken from the murder victim what does this evidence suggest?
4) Do you need an alibi as to where you were when the murder took place? Explain.
