5thEuropeanIABPAconferenceFinal programm

THE 5 TH EUROPEAN
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
BLOODSTAIN PATTERN ANALYST
(IABPA) CONFERENCE
Rome 2015
Tue, May 12 ‐ Fri, May 15

The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
photo by Francesco Cominetti

Contents
Presentation’s index 4
Programme Day 1 6
Programme Day 2 8
Workshops Day 2 9
Programme Day 3 10
Companion program 11
Presentations 12‐80
Acknoledgements 82

The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Presentation’s Index
The Canadian approach to BPA, Pat Laturnus, President IABPA 12
Bloodstain Paerns produced in fatalies due to medical condions, Stuart James 14
The Italian experience: BPA as a useful approach to reconstruct crime dynamics, Paolo Frani 16
Surface behaviour in liquid latex liing. Securing bloodstains aer arson, Silke Brodbeck 18
Casework presentaon, Chrisan Faccineo 20
BPA in a stomping death murder invesgaon, Jeffrey Scozzafava 22
Unusual staining on the ceiling at a murder scene, John Hoade 24
Casework Presentaon, Marn Eversdijk 26
The use of BPA in an episode of aggression with acid: the case of L.Annibali, Rosario Casamassima 28
Plagiarism in Forensic Science, a case example?, Silke Brodbeck 30
Post mortem dismemberment by chainsaw, Clare Knock 32
All the King’s horses and all the King’s men – Should stay outside of the yellow tape, John Paolucci 34
Shoot down or baered to death? Limitaons of current forensic Near Infrared (NIR) crime site invesgaon
techniques, Marn Schulz 36
Understanding the visibility of blood on dark surfaces, Karla De Bruin & Marne Verhoeff 38
Expert tesmony on BPA, Dario Bosco 40
Cerficaon of BPA analyst, Jeff Gurvis 42
ISO Accreditaon for BPA, Philippe Esperança 44
BPA Subcommiee of the Organizaon of Scienfic Area Commiees (OSAC), Jeff Gurvis 46
Can we put the “I” in BIAS? Assessing the associaon between analyst characteriscs and performance
on a bloodstain classificaon task, Niki Osborne 48
4

Transfer of Blood from One Texle to Another through Direct Contact, and the Resulng Bloodstains ,
Stephen Michielsen 50
Syntec blood subsitutes, Andrew Vreugdenhil 52
Forensic validaon of alternave formulaon of luminol, Gianmario Martra 54
Research studies on DNA and presumpve test interacon ‐ Alessio Ferrara 56
50 shades of red: blood stain age esmaon using hyperspectral imaging, Gerda Edelman 58
Blood Stain & Spaer Viewer, Norbert Jaufmann 60
Decision map for bloodstain paern recognion, Philippe Esperança 62
Laser scanner technology, Ivan Macella 64
HemoVision: an automated and virtual approach to BPA, Philip Joris 66
Advances in computer soware ‐ Documenng and analyzing spaer stain groups with HemoSpat,
Gordon L.M. Lefebvre 68
Influence of impact velocity, fluid depth and free space on the crown growth of the impact mechanism
and its implicaons for BPA, Theresa Stotesbury 70
Implemenng probabilisc approaches and Bloodstain Paern Simulaon [with AnTraGoS and BPS],
Francesco Camana 72
Calculang the coordinates of the area of convergence by using high school mathemacs,
Ludo Verbeek 74
Impact velocity of blood droplets for crime scene reconstrucon, Nick Laan 76
Human blood detecon dog, Vincenzo Scavongelli 78
Drone acvies on the crime scenes, Tullio Iaria 80
5

The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Programme
Day 1
Tuesday 12 th May 2015 ‐ Early Registraon
6 PM‐8 PM Registraon and Welcome Drink (registraon will open at 4 pm)
Wednesday 13 th May 2015 ‐ Casework session
8‐9.30 AM Registraon
9.30‐10 AM Welcoming Remarks
10‐10.40 AM
10.40‐11 AM
11‐11.20 AM
The Canadian approach to bloodstain paern analysis
Pat Laturnus ‐ President IABPA
Bloodstain paerns produced in fatalies due to medical condions
Stuart James
The Italian experience: BPA as a useful approach to reconstruct crime dynamics
Paolo Frani
11.20‐11.40 AM Coffee Break
11.40‐12.10 PM
12.10‐12.30 PM
12.30‐1 PM
Surface behaviour in liquid latex liing. Securing bloodstains aer arson
Silke Brodbeck
Casework presentaon
Chrisan Faccineo
BPA in a stomping death murder invesgaon
Jeffrey Scozzafava
1‐2 PM LUNCH ‐ Poster and Exibitor vising
6

Programme
Day 1
Wednesday 13 th May 2015 ‐ Casework session
1‐2 PM LUNCH ‐ Poster and Exibitor vising
2‐2.20 PM
2.20‐2.40 PM
2.40‐3 PM
Unusual staining on the ceiling at a murder scene
John Hoade
Casework Presentaon
Marn Eversdijk
The use of BPA in an episode of aggression with acid: the case of Lucia Annibali
Rosario Casamassima
3‐3.20 PM Coffee Break
3.20‐3.50 PM
3.50‐4.10 PM
4.10‐4.30 M
4.30‐4.50 PM
4.50‐5.10 PM
Plagiarism in Forensic Science, a case example?
Silke Brodbeck
Post mortem dismemberment by chainsaw
Clare Knock
All the King’s horses and all the King’s men – Should stay outside of the yellow tape
John Paolucci
Shoot down or baered to death? Limitaons of current forensic near infrared (NIR)
crime site invesgaon techniques.
Marn Schulz
Understanding the visibility of blood on dark surfaces
Karla De Bruin & Marne Verhoeff
7

The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Programme
Day 2
Thursday 14 th May 2015 ‐ Expert tesmony and Research on BPA
9‐9.40 AM Expert tesmony on BPA ‐ Dario Bosco
9.40‐10 AM Cerficaon of BPA analyst ‐ Jeff Gurvis
10‐10.20 AM ISO accreditaon for BPA ‐ Philippe Esperança, CBPE
10.20‐10.40 AM BPA subcommiee of the Organizaon of Scienfic Area Commiees (OSAC) ‐ Jeff Gurvis
10.40‐11 AM
Can we put the “I” in BIAS? Assessing the associaon between analyst characteriscs and
performance on a bloodstain classificaon task ‐ Niki Osborne
11‐11.20 AM Coffee Break
11.20‐11.40 AM
Transfer of Blood from One Texle to Another through Direct Contact, and the Resulng
Bloodstains ‐ Stephen Michielsen
11.40‐12 AM Syntec blood subsitutes ‐ Andrew Vreugdenhil
12‐12.20 AM Forensic validaon of alternave formulaon of luminol ‐ Gianmario Martra
12.20‐12.40 AM Research studies on DNA and presumpve test interacon ‐ Alessio Ferrara
12.40‐1 PM 50 shades of red: blood stain age esmaon using hyperspectral imaging ‐ Gerda Edelman
1 –1.15 PM Blood Stain & Spaer Viewer ‐ Norbert Jaufmann
1.15‐2.10 PM LUNCH ‐ Poster and Exibitor vising
2.10‐2.20 PM PHOTO ALL TOGETHER (Armi’s square)
2.20‐3 PM WORKSHOPS
3‐3.20 PM Coffee Break
3.20‐4 PM WORKSHOPS (connue)
4‐4.30 PM INSTRUMENT’S PRESENTATIONS
8.30‐10.30 PM Social dinner
8

Thursday 14 th May 2015 ‐ Workshops
2.20‐4 PM
Conference Hall
2.20‐4 PM
Room A
2.20‐4 PM
Room B
Bring your own case ‐ Stuart James
Reflected Infrared and Ultraviolet Photography ‐ Jeffrey Scozzafava
Difficules with interpreng bloodstains on clothing ‐ Ted Silenieks & Mark Reynolds
Thursday 14 th May 2015 ‐ Instruments Presentaons
4‐4.30 PM
Room A
4‐4.30 PM
Dark room
Demonstraon of a hyperspectral camera ‐ Gerda Edelman & Fetze Venema
(small groups every 10 min)
Blood Stain & Spaer Viewer ‐ Norbert Jaufmann
(small groups every 10 min)
9

The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Programme
Day 3
Friday 15 h May 2015 ‐ New technology ‐ 3D reconstrucon in BPA
9‐9.20 AM Decision map for bloodstain paern recognion ‐ Philippe Esperança, CBPE
9.20‐9.40AM
Laser scanner technology ‐ Ivan Macella, Faro Company
9.40‐10 AM HemoVision: an automated and virtual approach to BPA ‐ Philip Joris
10‐10.20 AM
10.20‐10.40 AM
Advances in computer soware ‐ Documenng and analyzing spaer stain groups
with HemoSpat ‐ Gordon L.M. Lefebvre
Influence of impact velocity, fluid depth and free space on the crown growth of the
impact mechanism and its implicaons for BPA ‐ Theresa Stotesbury
10.40‐11 AM Coffee Break
11‐11.20 AM
11.20‐11.50 AM
Implemenng probabilisc approaches and bloodstain paern simulaon [with
AnTraGoS and BPS] – Francesco Camana
Calculang the coordinates of the area of convergence by using high school mathema‐
cs ‐ Ludo Verbeek
11.50‐12.10 AM Impact velocity of blood droplets for crime scene reconstrucon ‐ Nick Laan
12.10‐12.30 AM Human blood Detecon Dog ‐ VIncenzo Scavongelli
12.30‐12.50 PM Drone acvies on the crime scenes ‐ Tullio Iaria
12.50‐1 PM Closing remarks ‐ Presidente of IABPA
1–2 PM Light lunch
2‐4.30 PM Social event (visit Vacan museum)
10

Wednesday 13 th May 2015 ‐ Visit Rome (Colosseum, Spain’s square)
10 AM‐1 PM Visit Rome downtown
1‐2 PM Lunch on your own
2‐4 PM Visit Rome downtown
Thursday 14 th May 2015 ‐ Shopping tour (Condo street)
10 AM‐1 PM Shopping tour major streets
1‐2 PM Lunch on your own
2‐4 PM Visit Rome downtown
8.30‐10.30 PM Social dinner
Friday 15 th May 2015 ‐ San Peter tour
10 AM‐1 PM St. Angel’s Castle ‐ San. Peter
1‐2 PM Lunch on your own
2.30‐4.30 PM Visit Vacan museum
11

The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
The Canadian approach to BPA
Pat Laturnus ‐ President IABPA
Abstract
A large geographical area with a relatively
small population provides for
some unique challenges and opportunities
in Canada. The discipline of Bloodstain
Pattern Analysis has evolved
through the Forensic Laboratory System
and is now conducted primarily by Canadian
police agencies. As investigator
demand increased, police analysts are
well located to travel and attend scenes.
Discussion will review how most analyst
receive the same training through two
main Police Colleges. A mentorship program
tied to a solid foundation of Crime
Scene Investigators provides for well
trained analysts who are respected by
the Courts. A case review will be offered
to illustrate the approach taken by Canadian
Analysts.
Biography
Pat is presently working as a private consultant
in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He started his
forensic career with the RCMP in 1975 and he
went on to become a Bloodstain Analyst in
1990. He has always enjoyed opportunities to
instruct and subsequently he went on to be a
full-time instructor. During that time, Pat developed
an understudy program based on his
training. The program has certified people as
qualified bloodstain analysts not only in Ontario,
but across Canada and internationally.
Pat's career has taken him across Canada
where he’s worked in 8 of the 10 Provinces.
During that time, Pat was accepted as an expert
witness in: bloodstain pattern analysis,
fingerprint identification and physical comparisons.
In addition, Pat has taught and continues
to teach bloodstain pattern analysis on an international
basis.
Pat has written several bloodstain related articles
and he has appeared on radio and television.
He is the proud recipient of awards from
the Provincial Government of Ontario
(Amethyst and Ovation) and the Foster Award
which is the highest honor bestowed by the
Canadian Identification Society. One of his
proudest occasions came when he was also
awarded the "Distinguished Member" designation
by the International Association of Bloodstain
Pattern Analysts.
Since becoming a member of the IAPBA in
1990, Pat has benefited greatly from attending
conferences and meeting fellow bloodstain analysts.
He has participated through support and
attendance, as well as serving as a Vice-
President and an Ethics Committee member.
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13

The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Bloodstain Patterns produced in
fatalities due to medical conditions
Stuart James ‐ James and Associates Forensic Consultants, Inc.
Abstract
There are medical conditions of individuals
that can produce a variety of
bloodstain patterns at a scene that may
mimic a violent event and arouse suspicion
of a homicide, suicide or accidental
death. The patterns may include large
pools of blood, splashed and projected
patterns as well as impact spatters,
expiration bloodstains, drip stains and
drip trails. Many of these conditions are
the result of massive hemorrhage as
the fatal event. Other conditions can be
the result of chronic bleeding over a
period of time. It is important to examine
the medical history and autopsy
findings of the deceased since this will
often reveal the mechanism(s) of bloodshed.
This presentation will discuss the bloodstain
pattern analysis and the cause and
manner of death in several of these
types of cases including:
Chronic debilitating conditions
Peptic ulcer
Lung cancer
Esophageal varices
Venous/arterial shunt for kidney dialysis
Venous insufficiency syndrome
(varicose vein hemorrhage)
Nose bleed
Biography
Stuart H. James is a graduate of Hobart College where he received
a BA degree in Biology and Chemistry in 1962. He received
his MT(ASCP) in Medical Technology from St. Mary’s Hospital in
Tucson, Arizona in 1963. Graduate courses completed at Elmira
College include Homicide Investigation, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
and Forensic Microscopy. He has completed more than 400
hours of continuing education and training in Death Investigation
and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. A former Crime Laboratory
supervisor in Binghamton, New York, he has been a private
consultant since 1981.
Mr. James has instructed in Forensic Science at the State University
of New York and Broome Community College in Binghamton,
New York. Additionally, he has lectured on the subjects of Bloodstain
Pattern Analysis and Forensic Science throughout the country
and abroad including the Tampa, Florida Police Academy, the
Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville in Kentucky,
the Oakland County Sheriff’s Dept. in Pontiac, Michigan,
the Nova Southeastern University Law School in Fort Lauderdale,
Florida , the University of Miami Law School in Coral Gables,
Florida, the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington,
Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts, the Henry C. Lee
Institute at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut,
the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto, Canada, the
Politie LSOP Institute for Criminal Investigation and Crime Science
in Zutphen, The Netherlands, the University of Newcastle
upon Tyne, the London Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom
and the Western Australian Police in Perth, Australia.
He has been consulted on homicide cases in 47 States and the
District of Columbia as well as in Australia, Canada, Germany,
The Netherlands, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the US Virgin
Islands and has provided expert testimony in many of these
jurisdictions in state, federal and military courts.
Mr. James is a co-author of the text entitled, Interpretation of
Bloodstain Evidence at Crime Scenes and has contributed to other
forensic texts including Introduction to Forensic Science, Practical
Fire and Arson Investigation and the Practical Methodology of
Forensic Photography. He is also a co-author of the revised
Second Edition of Interpretation of Bloodstain Evidence at Crime
Scenes and the Editor of Scientific and Legal Applications of
Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation both of which were published in
1998. He is a co-editor with Jon J. Nordby of the text entitled
Forensic Science – An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative
Techniques first published in 2002 with the third edition published
in 2009. He is also a co-author with Paul Kish and T. Paulette
Sutton of the text entitled Principles of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
– Theory and Practice published in 2005. Mr. James is a fellow
in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and a distinguished
member of the International Association of Bloodstain
Pattern Analysts (IABPA) and Historian as well as the current
editor of the quarterly Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis.
14

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15

The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
The Italian experience: BPA as a useful
approach to reconstruct crime dynamics
Paolo Frani ‐ Carabinieri RIS Roma
Abstract
In order to reconstruct the alleged dynamics
of the various phases of a criminal
event you need to consider all the
objective elements inferable from the
crime scene as a whole. Usually these
data are acquired:
- By forensic evidence relating to the
injuries suffered;
- From site survey and evidence collection
of traces and / or physical evidences
of interest
reconstructive;
- The laboratory tests on the various
findings acquired during the crime scene
investigation.
In fact particularly serious crime, such
as the facts of blood, more significant
elements for the crime reconstruction
may emerge from the study of traces of
blood with particular reference to their
morphology and their location on the
theater criminal.
This branch of forensic science is known
as "Bloodstain Pattern Analysis" (BPA)
and studied the various physical mechanisms,
used to produce the bloodstains
(trajectories, projections, drips, swipes,
washing, etc ...).
The following presentation will illustrate
some applications of BPA in criminal
cases handled by our department who
have also had a significant impact in the
media nationwide.
Biography
Paolo FRATINI is a physicist and after the University’s
studies he worked at Military Geographical Institute
in Florence as Army Lieutenant. He studied at
Carabinieri’s Corp Academy in Rome as Lieutenant of
Technical Role – Scientific Investigation. In 1999 he
went to the rank of Captain assuming the head of the
Fingerprint and Ballistic Section of the Carabinieri
Scientific Investigations Parma’s Department (RIS
CC). Since 2002 he is member delegate for Carabinieri
Corp’s in the European Network of Forensic
Sciences Institutes (ENFSI)-Firearms Working Group.
He worked in many criminal cases including ballistic
trajectories and dynamics reconstructions also using
the Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA). Coauthor of
some forensic articles about Gun Shots Residues
(GSR) and Firearms, he taught ballistic at Postgraduate
Forensic Sciences Master in Parma’s University
and also in Brandenburgische Technische Universität
Cottbus (EUROFOS Programme). He attended basic
and advanced BPA courses in both the USA and in
Italy. In 2006 and 2008 he presented some BPA
caseworks respectively the 1st and 2nd European
Conferences IABPA in Middelburg and in Zurich. In
the most important criminal cases he participated to
CSI activities and to discussions front of the Justice
Courts. In 2009 he taught BPA and CSI at the Center
of Excellence for Stability Police Units in Vicenza
within the program European Union Police Forces
Training (EUPFT2009). In 2007 he ranked to Major
and since 2010 he works in Rome’s RIS CC playing
the same role of head Ballistic’s Section with competence
over the Centre and South Italy. Since 2011 he
taught BPA, CSI and ballistic at the Advanced Institute
for Investigative Techniques of the Carabinieri’s
Corp and within the CEPOL programs too. Last year
he went to the rank of Lt. Colonel and actually he
continues to work at Rome’s RIS CC.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Surface behaviour in liquid latex lifting.
Securing bloodstains after arson
Silke Brodbeck ‐ MD
Abstract
Perpetrators often use different strategies
to destroy trace evidence at crime
scenes or to put suspicion onto third
parties. One strategy often found is the
burning of crime scenes. But burning
does not destroy reliable the traces,
depending on variables like temperature,
surface and traces.
This presentation shows the results of
the first Finnish-German arson research
project and describes the Liquidlatexlifting
as a technique for the securing of
Bloodstains, DNA and fingerprints after
a fire at a crime scene. Because the use
of Latex is primarily depending upon the
surface, several surfaces were tested in
this project. Liquidlatexlifting is a reliable
method to secure bloodstains, DNA
and fingerprints after arson. Its use is
depending upon the preservation of the
surface and the surface material itself.
This presentation gives furthermore an
overview how to secure bloodstains,
DNA and fingerprints after arson.
Biography
Dr. Silke Brodbeck, MD is an international
working expert for Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
and Crime Scene Reconstruction located in the
Blutspureninstitut in the near of Frankfurt, Germany.
She graduated from Medical School of Johann-
Wolfgang-Goethe-University in Frankfurt and
has worked at different universities (Mt. Sinai
Hospital (NY,USA), Helsinki (Finland), Franfurt
(Germany)) in neurosurgery, forensic pathology
and research. Since 2007 she is fully specialized
working in the the field of Bloodstain
Pattern Analysis. Her case work includes mainly
cases for official forces in Germany, Swiss,
Liechtenstein and Austria. She is also giving
second opinions and decisive expert opinions to
courts.
In 2009 the Blutspureninstitut started as first
institution in Europe to teach regularly courses
in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. Untill today Dr.
Brodbeck has teached participants from 21
countries and several continents.
She is active in research and has published two
books and several articles. Current main research
focus is the securing of trace evidence
after arson, quality of BPA reports, complex
BPA reconstruction and biomodelling.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Caseworks presentation
Chrisan Faccineo ‐ Carabinieri RIS Parma
Abstract
On the date of August 19th 2012 at
approximately 10:00AM, local emergency
response of Arma dei Carabinieri
were called to a residence in Lignano
Sabbiadoro (UD), Italy. They founded
Mr and Mrs Burgato deceased in the
secondary bathroom adjoined the garage
at the subbasement level. The Burgato
couple bodies were founded
sprawled on the floor splattered with
blood like many other surfaces in the
bathroom. Many traces were found in
the bathroom and in the garage’s floor
in particular on the getaway from the
garage to the front house garden and
then to the street. Subsequent investigation
indicated that the murder was
probably a robbery gone wrong. The
inspection of the crime scene was made
in order to pick out any useful evidences
and then to identify the culprit’s DNA
and to make the crime scene reconstruction
with BPA report. Claudia Danelon,
the prosecutor in charge of this
case, of the Public Prosecutor’s office at
District Court of Udine, at the end of the
investigation with the BPA reconstruction
report together with other investigative
results could arrest one of two
half-brothers and charge them with
murder with the aggravating circumstances
of cruelty.
Biography
In 2002 He graduated in biology science. He
worked like a researcher from 2002 to 2005 in
the Gene Therapy Laboratory—Pediatric Department
of Padua University developing good
knowledge in genetic engineering and human
genetics. On May 2004 he won the “Niccolò
Copernico” Award for the best young scientific
researcher at Ferrara. In 2005 he started his
service in Carabinieri Corp like an officer with
Lieutenant degree in the Forensic Science Department
of Parma. In 2010 he got his doctorate
in Biomedical Sciences at Ferrara University.
In 2008 and 2011 he profitably attended
basic and advanced courses in Bloodstain Pattern
Analysis. From 2010 he become the Quality
Manager of the Biology laboratory at the
Forensic Science Department of Parma and in
2013 the lab reached 17025:2005 accreditation.
In 2013 he became a university lecturer in
Forensic Genetics at the Biology Department of
Padua University. Now he is a Captain at Carabinieri
Corp Forensic Science Department of
Parma, he routinely manages with hundreds
per year of Casework for the biology aspect,
from burglaries to homicides, and several
Crime Scene Reconstruction/BPA Casework,
more over he manages with researching, studying
and teaching, in Biology and BPA fields, as
well as in the University as in the Carabinieri
Corp.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
BPA in a stomping death murder investigation
Jeffrey Scozzafava ‐ Detecve
Abstract
This presentation highlights the interpretation
of bloodstain patterns at a
crime scene in New Jersey, USA. Bloodstain
patterns placed the victim near
the floor of his residence during his
attack by multiple attackers. The bloodstain
patterns were consistent with two
attacks, separated by time sufficient for
blood to clot. The interpretation opinions
and trial outcome will be discussed.
Biography
Jeff Scozzafava has 31 years of law enforcement
experience as a U. S. Army Military Policeman,
a New Jersey State Trooper and Detective
Sergeant, and a Somerset County Prosecutor’s
Office Detective. Jeff has made hundreds
of patrol related and investigative arrests
and as a Detective, processed more than one
thousand crime scenes, including dozens of
homicide scenes, international and domestic
terrorism, and police involved use of deadly
force scenes.
Jeff has accumulated over 1,500 training hours
specific to forensics, including advanced training
in bloodstain pattern analysis, fingerprint
identification and crime scene investigation.
Jeff has qualified as an expert witness in several
NJ Superior Courts and in United States District
Court, regarding fingerprint identification,
bloodstain pattern analysis and crime scene
investigation.
Jeff is instructor certified by the New Jersey
Police Training Commission and Trainer certified
by the U. S. Department of Justice. Jeff
has been an instructor of forensic training in 7
states and in Turkmenistan, Central Asia. Jeff
has instructed for several agencies, including
the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, and the New Jersey
State Police.
Jeff is Sergeant At Arms of the International
Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts and
was a previous Vice President.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Unusual staining on the ceiling at a murder
scene
John Hoade ‐ Forensic Science Ireland ‐ Dep. of Jusce & Equality
Abstract
An elderly man died from multiple blows
with a baseball bat. He had severe head
injuries including large scalp lacerations
and skull fractures. Unusually, for an
assault of such severity, there was very
little blood at the scene and most of the
blood spatter appeared dilute.
However, there were numerous clear
coloured, airborne stains, with an oily
appearance, on the ceiling above where
the assault took place. This staining
gave a week reaction for the presence
of blood and a DNA profile matching the
deceased, and is most likely to be castoff
cerebrospinal fluid.
Biography
John Hoade has a MSc. in instrumental analysis
and has worked at the Irish Forensic Science
Laboratory (Forensic Science Ireland) in Dublin
for the last twenty four years, initially in area of
drug analysis. He has worked in the area of
blood pattern analysis (crime scene attendance
and laboratory examination of clothing and
weapons) and DNA analysis for the last ten
years. He has some experience in evaluative
expert opinion (EEO) reporting and regularly
presents reports in court.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Casework Presentation
Marn Eversdijk ‐ VP IABPA ‐ Europe
Abstract
Biography
In may 2009 a very young girl died of
extreme loss of blood caused by a
slashed throat in her mother’s house.
The mother’s ex-boy friend who was
responsible for the cutting of the young
girls carotid artery and jugular stated it
was an accident that happened in the
living room. Her mother who was present
when her daughter’s throat was cut
had a totally different statement on the
location and manner of the fatal cutting.
This presentation will discuss the crime
scene and the physical evidence in this
case including issues involving bloodstain
pattern analysis, the statements
by the opposing sides, the highlights of
the BPA report and how it was written.
Also the contribution of BPA in coherence
with other forensic investigations/
outcomes that played a huge role during
court in how the bloodstain patterns
where most likely produced will be discussed
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
The use of BPA in an episode of aggression
with acid: the case of Lucia Annibali
Rosario Casamassima ‐ Carabinieri RIS Roma
Abstract
In April of 2013 in Pesaro, the lawyer
Lucia Annibali, is disfigured with acid by
two assassins hired by his former Luca
Varani. The ambush takes place April 16
at 17:00 when, when the lawyer, in
opening the door of the house, is hit in
the face by a jet launched from an acid
by the criminals who broke inside.
BPA was used to carry out the reconstruction
of the events and estimate the
amount of acid used in the attack.
The technique has proved useful also to
verify the testimony given by the victim
that often in these cases prove confusing
and approximate.
Biography
1999-2015 Carabinieri
Department Carabinieri Scientific Investigations
forensic analysis in the material sector
Analysis: paints, fibers, fabrics, adhesive tapes,
paper, inks, glass, car paint, food packing,
plastics, tires, cosmetics.
Analytical techniques used, microspectrophotometry
FT IR and UV-Vis, Optical microscopy,
gas chromatography, HPLC, HPTLC, ICP-MS,
Dionex, volumetric.
preparative techniques used: liquid liquid extraction,
solid-liquid extraction, column chromatography
classic, headspace, SPME.
Technical advice and expert opinions for court
Scientific publications:
1. Tecnical notes "the descrimination potential
of ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, Thin
Layer Chromatography, and Fourier Transform
Infrared Spectroscopy for Forensic Analysis of
Black n Blue Ballpoint Inks" (Journal of Forensic
Science november 2008 vol 53 no 60).
2. Forensic differentiation of paper by X-ray
diffraction and infrared spectroscopy (Forensic
Science International 197 (2010) 70-74)
3. Pet fur or fake fur? A forensic approach
(Investigative genetics 06/2014; 5: 7. DOI:
10.1186 / 2041-2223-5-7)
1994-1999 Carabinieri
Police Officer in charge of territorial line Carabinieri
Command Police Station.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Plagiarism in Forensic Science,
a case example?
Silke Brodbeck ‐ MD
Abstract
In April 2013 the second arson research
project of the Blutspureninstitut took
place in collaboration with colleagues in
Austria to study temperature effects on
bloodstains. Prior to the publication of
the results a close to identical copy,
which was later produced was published
by one training member of the team
and two scientists from the university of
Salzburg. One of those scientists did
attend a media conference and viewed
there the results of the original project.
There were signs of severe scientific
misunderstanding in that publication,
e.g. the difference between Grad Fahrenheit
and Grad Celsius was not known.
A notification of scientific misbehaviour
was done to the university.
This presentation shows the happenings
of the plagiarism notification and the
way how this university handled this
kind of situation. Plagiarism is a severe
problem and even today standards are
formulated but often ignored. In acting
against pagiarism all forces are required
to be sensitive about this topic. Scientists,
universities and publishers need to
pull together to make scientific misbehaviour
unethical and inacceptable.
Biography
Dr. Silke Brodbeck, MD is an international
working expert for Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
and Crime Scene Reconstruction located in the
Blutspureninstitut in the near of Frankfurt, Germany.
She graduated from Medical School of Johann-
Wolfgang-Goethe-University in Frankfurt and
has worked at different universities (Mt. Sinai
Hospital (NY,USA), Helsinki (Finland), Franfurt
(Germany) in neurosurgery, forensic pathology
and research. Since 2007 she is fully specialized
working in the the field of Bloodstain Pattern
Analysis. Her case work includes mainly
cases for official forces in Germany, Swiss,
Liechtenstein and Austria. She is also giving
second opinions and decisive expert opinions to
courts.
In 2009 the Blutspureninstitut started as first
institution in Europe to teach regularly courses
in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. Untill today Dr.
Brodbeck has teached participants from 21
countries and several continents.
She is active in research and has published two
books and several articles. Current main research
focus is the securing of trace evidence
after arson, quality of BPA reports, complex
BPA reconstruction and biomodelling.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Post mortem dismemberment by chainsaw
Clare Knock ‐ Cranfield University
Abstract
This work studied the use of chainsaws
to dismember bodies. The results
showed that the use of a chainsaw to
dismember a body produces a distinctive
pattern and that different chainsaws can
give significant differences in the size of
the pattern.
Two chainsaws were used to cut the
hind shank and hock joint of a pig. Each
pig joint was placed on a plank and cut
in three places. This gave three different
sizes for the chain saws to cut through.
The first chainsaw was a Stihl petrol
chainsaw with semi chisel cutters and a
chain velocity of 20 ms-1. The second
chainsaw was an electric chainsaw with
a micro chisel cutter chain rotating at a
velocity of 10 ms-1. After dismemberment,
the pig joint was removed. It was
found that the two chainsaws produced
a similar pattern of tissue. The pattern
consisted of i) a void where the joint and
plank had been placed, ii) a linear distribution
of tissue in front of the void iii)
pieces of tissue to the side of the front
linear distribution and iv) a linear distribution
behind the void. The results
showed significant differences in size for
the two different chainsaws. This was
particularly clear behind the joint. Behind
the void, the length of the linear
distribution was independent of joint
size. It was 1.42m, with a standard deviation
of 0.12 m for the petrol chain
saw and 0.54 m with a standard deviation
of 0.17 m for the electric chain saw.
Biography
Dr Clare Knock is a lecturer at Cranfield University,
at the Defence Academy of the United
Kingdom. She carries out research in forensic
science, shock waves from explosions, fragmentation
and ammunition safety and lectures
to masters students on internal ballistics, shock
waves from explosions, risks and computer
modelling.
She has conceived and developed a research
programme to study blood stains and has supervised
masters projects on prediction of the
source of blood for angled impacts, stains due
to kicking, running and stomping in blood, the
difference between the stains from using electric
and petrol chain saws, blood stains on absorbent
fabrics and the ability of dogs to detect
blood stains. She has two PhD students studying
bloodstains on rough surfaces and bloodstains
on absorbent fabrics. She has published
in the Int. J. Legal Medicine and the J. For. Sci.
and explosives journals
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
All the King’s horses and all the King’s men.
should stay outside of the yellow tape
John Paolucci ‐ Forensics 4 Real Inc ‐ President
Abstract
A community in Charleston, South Carolina
was unsettled; protestors were
claiming that a nineteen year old boy
was murdered by the police who are
covering it up by calling the incident a
suicide. Denzell Curnell lay in the street
with a perforating gunshot wound that
entered the right side of his head – and
Denzell is left handed. The officer who
was on the scene when the shot was
fired was reputed to be very aggressive,
the victim had no criminal history and
the toxicology analysis showed no positive
findings. Upon initial examination of
the crime scene photos, it was apparent
that the firearm had been handled excessively
several minutes after bloodshed
had initiated and a piece of fabric
with unknown origin, that was possibly
used to move the gun, was left with the
body. At first look, there appeared to be
some foundation to the claim that this
crime scene was staged due to excessive
handling of the body and the firearm,
but a more holistic analysis of the
incident and the all its components may
have saved a police officer from a murder
charge.
Biography
John Paolucci earn a Bachelor of Science Humanities
& Criminal Justice in 1990. He is a
Professor in “Crime Scene Investigations” at
the Mercy College. Currently analyzing homicide
cases in Charleston, South Carolina; Austin
Texas; Waco, Texas; New York City.
Train investigators from federal, state and local
agencies in crime scenes and forensic evidence
while active in NYPD and presently as an adjunct
in at the Henry Lee Academy and vice
president of a private, POST accredited homicide
course in the state of Connecticut. Appeared
on Investigation Discovery Channel and
A & E Networks, New York Times, NBC Radio,
and other media venues providing analysis of
homicide scenes. He also developed and commanded
the OCME Liaison Unit, vetting and
managing all DNA evidence collected in New
York City.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Shoot down or battered to death? Limitations of
current forensic Near Infrared (NIR) crime site
investigation techniques
Marn Shulz ‐ Instut für Rechtsmedizin der Universität München
Abstract
Biography
The forensic application of Near Infrared
(NIR, approximately between 750 and
1500 nm) photography is a quite old
technique that was introduced at the
Institute of Legal Medicine in Munich in
1937. It has proven to be a useful tool
within criminalistic investigation but the
use of NIR-sensitive film material is
fraught with difficulties for example, a
real-time search for evidence was impossible,
which strongly limited its forensic
application spectrum. Modern,
digital photography has overcome these
problems and some forensic applications
of NIR-reflection photography
have previously been described.
Nonetheless, the presented case of a
young man reveals, that there is room
for improvement within forensic NIRtechnology,
especially inside crime site
investigation. Possible solutions will be
introduced and may be discussed.
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37

The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Understanding the visibility of blood on dark
surfaces
Karla De Bruin & Marne Verhoeff ‐ NFI
Abstract
Bloodstains on dark surfaces are often
difficult to detect due to a lack of contrast.
By means of infrared light, absorbed
by blood and reflected by many
fabrics, it is often possible to visualize
the blood. Unfortunately, not all dark
surfaces reflect infrared light and on
these surfaces it is still difficult to detect
blood.
In the present study we investigated why
on certain surfaces blood is not detected
and how we can improve this. We examined
166 different fabrics regarding the
visibility of the bloodstain by three different
IR cameras: a Nikon camera sensitive
to IR light, an IR video camera, and
a Short Wave IR video camera. Almost
all bloodstains were visible in either of
these three cameras or were visible by
eye. The fabrics were then examined
regarding their reflection spectra. Based
on these, different groups could be distinguished
with the same reflection properties.
Further, the composition of the
fabrics was examined (cotton, polyester
etc.), the structure (woven/non-woven),
and the absorption of a blood drop by
the fabric. All these properties combined
allow us to classify the fabrics into different
groups, enabling a prediction about
the fabrics on which a bloodstain will be
visible. Thus, when the investigator does
not see any blood on a surface with an
IR camera, the distinction may be made
whether this is due to a possible lack of
blood or due to the fabric.
Biography
Karla de Bruin studied chemistry at the University
of Amsterdam and did her Master and PhD
in Physical chemistry. In 2009 she started
working at the Netherlands Forensic Institute in
the Mobile Forensic Team, where she performed
research in the field of Bloodstain Pattern
Analysis in close cooperation with the University
of Amsterdam. In 2013 she changed to
the Human Biological Traces department where
she continues her work on BPA and started
research on the improvement of detection of
Human Biological Traces by means of optical
methods.
Martine Verhoeff started her career at the
Netherlands Forensic Institute in 2000. She
works in the trace recovery team of the department
of Human Biological Traces and DNA. In
2005 and 2007, she attended the basic and
advanced bloodstain pattern analysis course of
the Ontario Police College (OPC). Her work
involves carrying out examinations within the
laboratory (trace evidence, body fluids and
BPA).
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Expert testimony on BPA
Dario Bosco ‐ Criminal lawyer
Abstract
What’s the present and future of Bloodstain
pattern analysis in Court? Is it an
important field of forensic science or is
it only a trend in Forensic Science field?
After the trilogy “Daubert-Joiner-
Kumho” and after the last version of the
Federal Rules of Evidence (F.R.E.), the
opinion of American Courts concerning
the admissibility of scientific evidence
has changed, and the questions above
can have, now, new answers. The
change is closely tied to the updated
gatekeeping role of the Courts about if
and when “new science”, like BPA, can
be admitted in Court like scientific evidence.
At same time, also in Italy, many things
are changing about scientific evidence,
and, in last time, the Daubert standards
are the new trend also in this Country.
In this work we present a complete
review about the most important Court
opinions in U.S.A, and Italy about reliability
and admissibility of BPA like scientific
evidence, and we suggest how and
when an expert witness in this field can
be admitted in Court.
Biography
Dr. Dario Bosco is a Criminal Lawyer. He has
been working within the Italian Criminal Courts
for more than 10 years. He has an MD in forensic
science and criminology and he has done
research in the field of criminal profiling, scientific
evidence, forensic science and their application
in court. He has published on forensic
science, criminal proofing, psychology and law,
criminology and criminal justice in and outside
of Italy. He is a visiting professor of forensic
science and criminology in many Universities in
Italy. He is editor of a book series in
“Criminology and Forensic Science”, Casa editrice
Simone.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Certification of BPA analyst
Jeff Gurvis ‐ Chairman of the IAI ‐ Vice Chair of NIST OSAC
Abstract
Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Certification:
Update from the IAI The International
Association for Identification (IAI) has
had a bloodstain pattern certification
program for over 17 years. The IABPA
has long researched creating a certification
program of its own. Over the past
year or so, the IAI and IABPA have decided
to collaborate on the IAI Bloodstain
Pattern Analyst Certification. This
discussion will cover the current state of
the program, including requirements for
application, certification testing, and
recertification.
Biography
Jeff Gurvis is an independent bloodstain pattern
analyst and latent print examiner from Chicago
who currently serves as the Chairman of the
IAI Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Certification
Board as well as the Vice Chair of the Bloodstain
Pattern Subcommittee of the NIST OSAC.
He was a charter member of SWGSTAIN where
he was the chair of the Legal Subcommittee.
Jeff also has been a long time instructor at the
National Forensic Academy at the University of
Tennessee as well as the FBI. Jeff is also a
partner of Visionations, the developers of
CrimePad, a mobile active investigation and
crime scene application.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
ISO Accreditation for BPA
Philippe Esperança ‐ BPA expert ‐ France
Abstract
All experts want to demonstrate that his
conclusions of his expertise follow a
strong, independent
and coherent argumentation following a
scientific methodology.
With this goal and following the Recommendations
of the NAS report, I established
Bloodstain
Pattern Analysis procedures following
the ISO 17020 standard.
Still following the NAS recommendation,
a model of report had been developped
showing the total
BPA process followed, the analyses
done with their results and the conclusion
reached.
This presentation will show you the
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis procedures
developed in my lab and
how the BPA results are transcribed in
my reports.
Biography
Philippe Esperança started his career in Forensic
Sciences in 1990 being the scientific support for the
creation of the Forensic Entomology Department of
the French Gendarmerie Forensic Institute.
The same Institute asked Philippe to create a
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Service in 1999.
The discovery of this discipline over self-conducted
practices and trainings in Canada was a great time
to Philippe. In the same time, he obtained a General
Forensic MS.
He developed the French BPA procedures and he
has educated the French Gendarmerie Criminal
Scene Investigators about BPA until he left the
French Gendarmerie in 2008.
His first BPA expertise was in 1999 with a butchering
and just after with a triple homicide.
He contributed to the development of the Bluestar
chemical product in 2000-2001.
He became the first qualified BPA expert for the
French criminal court in 2002 with the murder of a
juge in the Reunion Island.
Now, he is Bloodstain Pattern Expert for the Supreme
Court of France and for the International
Criminal Court. He has also been appointed as a
Bloodstain Pattern Expert for cases outside France
(Belgium, US, Morocco).
He gives lectures in front of many different people
like judges, CIS, detectives, medical examiners and
university students.
Since this year he develop his own company for
forensic and BPA expertises for magistrates, training
for police academies and Research & Development.
His goals for BPA are to develop objective methods
for the identification of the Bloodstain Patterns but
also for the all analysis process.
Philippe is an IABPA member since 2000, a
SWGSTAIN member since 2006 and a IAI member
since 2010. He obtained the IAI BPE certification in
2012.
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45

The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
BPA Subcommittee of the Organization
of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC)
Jeff Gurvis ‐ Chairman of the IAI ‐ Vice Chair of NIST OSAC
Abstract
NIST OSAC Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Subcommittee.
The transition from SWGSTAIN In January
of 2015, the US National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) hosted
the first meetings of the Organization
of Scientific Area Committees
(OSAC) which was created to essentially
bring all the SWGs under one roof in
hopes of improving standardization and
best practices. One of the subcommittees
was formed for Bloodstain Pattern
Analysis. This discussion will go over
the members, affiliates, and mission of
the Subcommittee as well as the current
and future documents that will be
produced
Biography
Jeff Gurvis is an independent bloodstain pattern
analyst and latent print examiner from Chicago
who currently serves as the Chairman of the
IAI Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Certification
Board as well as the Vice Chair of the Bloodstain
Pattern Subcommittee of the NIST OSAC.
He was a charter member of SWGSTAIN where
he was the chair of the Legal Subcommittee.
Jeff also has been a long time instructor at the
National Forensic Academy at the University of
Tennessee as well as the FBI. Jeff is also a
partner of Visionations, the developers of
CrimePad, a mobile active investigation and
crime scene application.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Can we put the “I” in BIAS? Assessing the association
between analyst characteristics and performance on a
bloodstain classification task.
Niki Osborne ‐ Psychology Department ‐ University of Otago
Abstract
Contextual information can influence decisions
about forensic evidence. Here, we
explore the association between the effects
of context and analyst characteristics on
accuracy and bias on a bloodstain pattern
classification task. Thirty-nine bloodstain
pattern analysts each completed measures
of their need for closure, compliance, and
decision-making style, as well as reporting
their level of training and experience. For
the classification task, analysts first examined
a bloodstain pattern without any additional
contextual information and allocated
votes to listed pattern types according to
favoured and less favoured classifications.
Next, if they believed it would assist with
their classification, analysts could request
contextual information and update their
vote allocation. We calculated a bias score
based on any vote reallocations as a function
of the contextual information. Almost
all items of contextual information influenced
decision-making, with medical findings
leading to the greatest number of
vote reallocations. While bias scores were
positively associated to the largest degree
with an intuitive decision-making style,
overall, our findings suggest that bias is a
general tendency and not a function of
cognitive factors, decision-making style, or
lack of training and experience. Accuracy
was positively associated with advanced
training and a rational decision-making
style. Error was positively associated with
basic training, fewer years’ experience,
and a spontaneous decision-making style.
The implications of our findings will be
discussed.
Biography
I completed my PhD in forensic psychology in
2013. Since then I have worked with the Institute
of Environmental Science and Research
(ESR) and the University of Otago, New Zealand
on several projects examining the role of
contextual information in Bloodstain Pattern
Analysis. I have just commenced work on a
project, funded by the National Institute of
Justice, in which we aim to develop effective
methods for addressing the issue of contextual
bias in forensic science.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Transfer of blood from one textile to another
through direct contact, and the resulting bloodstains
Stephen Michielsen ‐ North Carolina State University
Abstract
Blood from a bloodied textile, such as a
shirt or dress, may transfer to another
textile if the two textiles come into contact
with each other. A person with the
transfer stain may state that their clothing
was stained as they were attempting
to render assistance to the victim
upon coming onto the scene. In studies
where a drop of synthetic blood was
placed onto a stack of two textiles, it
was found that the larger stain occurred
in the fabric with the highest wicking
rate, regardless of which textile the
drop was applied to. It was also found
that, when the blood had wicked into
the yarns within the fabric, it may be
difficult to transfer the stain to another
textile. The time allowed for transfer
could be as short as two minutes, thus
potentially placing the person at the
scene.
Biography
Prof. Michielsen comes to us from the world acclaimed
College of Textiles at North Carolina State
University where his research group specializes in
the interaction of liquids with textiles. His research
has been supported with grants in excess of US$
6M by industry, the states of Georgia and North
Carolina, and the US Departments of Defense,
Commerce and Justice. Recently, he has received
over US$ 700k from the National Institutes of Justice
for BPA on textiles.
Dr. Michielsen received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from
the University of Chicago in 1979. He then went to
Stanford University as a Post-Doctoral Fellow. In
1980, he joined the DuPont company where he
spent 15 years in research in their Polymer and
Fiber departments. In 1995 he moved to the Georgia
Institute of Technology in the School of Textile
and Fiber Engineering. He joined the faculty in the
College of Textiles at North Carolina State University
in 2004, where he is currently a Professor in the
Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and
Science. He has more than 50 publications including
four book chapters. He has presented his BPA
results at Environmental Research Center in Christchurch,
New Zealand, to the IABPA in San Diego,
CA, to the World Forensic Festival in S. Korea (Rep.
of Korea), at Donghua University in Shanghai, and
at Jiangnan University in Wuxi, P.R. China.
His research concentrates on surface modification
of textiles and their interactions with liquids, as well
as advanced characterizations of textile fibers using
FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron
Spectroscopy (XPS), optical and electron microscopy,
and thermal analysis. He currently teaches
courses on "introduction to textiles" (entry level
course), knitting (mid-level, university course), and
the properties of fiber forming polymers (Ph.D.
level materials science course).
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Syntetic blood subsitutes
Andrew Vreugdenhil ‐ Trent University
Abstract
This talk focuses on looking at BPA
through the eyes of a materials scientist.
Blood has many material properties
that can be reproduced by stable artificial
fluids. This plays an important role
in synthetic blood substitute (SBS) design
and fabrication. The listeners will
be taken through a descriptive discussion
on identifying key design features
of an ideal SBS, including everything
from longevity to matching key chemical
and physical behaviours of blood.
Our research group uses silicon colloid
chemistry to develop potential SBS candidates.
These candidate materials are
aqueous, room temperature, non-toxic
and stable colloidal solutions. They can
be made to incorporate chemical functionality
for emulating the behaviour of
blood to simulate forensic imaging and
biological analysis. There are many
ways to assess the performance of
these SBSs in comparison to blood, in
this talk, we focus on demonstrating
SBS performance during impact simulation
using high-speed video analysis.
Biography
Andrew Vreugdenhil currently is Director of the
Trent Materials Science graduate program and
the associated Centre for Materials Research at
Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
The Materials Science graduate program
specializes in the chemistry and physics of materials
to provide students with a broad physical
science understanding of modern materials
and their behaviour. Prof. Vreugdenhil holds a
Ph.D. in inorganic materials chemistry and is an
Associate Professor in the Trent University
Chemistry Department. His research program is
focused on the synthesis and characterization
of colloidal silicon hybrids. These colloidal materials
provide flexible, convenient, water-borne
chemistry appropriate for a wide range of applications.
These include formulation of environmentally
friendly crosslinked sol-gel coatings
systems, room temperature surface modification
and tailorable, stable and pathogen-free
synthetic blood substitutes for forensic research
and crime scene reconstruction.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Forensic validation of alternative formulation
of luminol
Gianmario Martra ‐ Univeristy of Turin
Abstract
As a consequence of a serendipitous observation
occurred when some of us were acting
as scientific consultants in a court case,
a study of the effect on the Luminol test of
the dosage of inorganic nanoparticles (NP),
both oxidic and saline in nature, on surfaces
supposed to retain latent blood stains was
undertaken. Almost independently on the
nature of NP, a significant increase and duration
of the Luminol chemiluminescence
was obtained. In particular, the light emission
lasted even for minutes instead of seconds,
the typical duration obtained with the
best commercial product, Bluestar® Forensic,
overcoming the main drawback of the
Luminol test. On one hand, FT-IR investigations
indicated that the observed behavior is
not a consequence of some interaction of the
catalytic sites (Fe3+ ions in heme groups in
hematin) with the surface of the nanoparticles.
On the other hand, the analysis of the
kinetic of the chemiluminescent decay revealed
that it stems from a decrease of the
mass transfer rate of Luminol molecules in
the liquid phase sprayed on inspected surfaces
towards the catalytic sites, because of
the presence of a percolation layer formed
by pre-dosed NP. The absence of any interference
of NP in recovering DNA from the so
revealed blood stains and the significant
decrease in the occurrence of false positives
allowed for a successful patenting of a new
kit and method for the exploitation of the
Luminol chemiluminescence on crime
scenes.
Biography
-Born in Torino (Italy), 17th April 1966.
-1989: Graduation in Industrial Chemistry (magna cum
laude) at the University of Torino
-1994: PhD in Chemical Sciences
-1995: Researcher at the Faculty of Science of the
Torino University
-1995-1996: post-doc at the University Paris VI
-1998: Senior Reseacher at the Faculty of Science of
the Torino University
-2001: Associated Professor of Physical Chemistry at
the Faculty of Science of the Torino University
-January-March 2000 and 2002: invited scientist at the
Meisei University of Tokyo and Osaka Prefecture University,
2003-2009 : President of the Master Course in Industrial
Biotechnology of the Torino University
2010-present: President of the Master Course in Clinical
Forensic and Sport Chemistry of the Torino University
Prof. Martra lectures Electron Microscopy and Electronic
Spectroscopies for the Second Level Degree Course in
Clinical, Forensic and Sport Chemistry, Structural Methods
for the Degree Course in Biotechnology, Nanobiotecnology
for the the Second Level Degree Course in
Industrial Biotechnology and Physical Chemistry for the
Second Level Degree Course in Molecular Biotechnology.
During his research activity he has been the tutor of
14 PhD Thesis.
The research activity of Prof. Martra is devoted to the
study of nature, structure and reactivity of surface
centres of materials with a high specific surface area,
typically nanosized and nanostructured materials. The
investigations have an experimental character, and are
based on the use of optical spectroscopies (vibrational
and electronic, in absorption and emission) and electron
microscopy (both in the transmission and scanning
modes). For his expertise in spectroscopy, he has been
invited to co-author 2 reviews and 2 book chapters.The
results of such activity of Prof. Martra have been reported
in ca. 200 papers published in international
Journals with referees, which received more than 4900
citations (h-index: 38). He is also co-inventor of 5
deposited patents.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Research studies on DNA and
presumptive test interaction.
Alessio Ferrara – Carabinieri RIS Parma
Abstract
Our aim is to evaluate a new possible
approach to the analysis of crime
scenes with a lot of blood traces. Combur
Test® is one of the most used presumptive
test for the first screening of
blood sample in crime scene based on
the 3,3’,5,5’-tetramethylbenzidine reaction.
For this reason we evaluated the
inhibition in the extraction of DNA due
to 3,3’,5,5’-tetramethylbenzidine. We
used our validated internal method that
is an automated process based on Qiagen
magnetic bead chemistry. Five
different dilutions of blood from 1:5 to
1:80 were spotted on denim and then
processed. All the bloodstains spotted
were firstly swabbed with Copan®
swabs and then with Combur Test®
strip for a comparison. We obtained an
high ratio of full profile from the DNA
extracted from both sampling methods.
We also observed an increased level of
stochastic events in blood traces with
high dilutions. Analysis of crime scenes
could be difficult in testing and collecting
bloodstain when we have to face
very small traces. In particular, when
we have to manage a crime scene reconstruction
using bloodstain pattern
analysis. In this case results that could
be useful to collect and analyzed the
Combur Test® strip instead to collect
the entire evidence.
Biography
Alessio Ferrara was born on 16th August 1980
in Turin, Italy. At the age of 25, he graduated
in biology bachelor, then he started his career
in the Military Italian Navy. In November 2007
he switched to Carabinieri Corp with the rank of
agent. In August 2009 he graduated in forensic
bachelor and became warrant officer. From
September 2009 to October 2011 he worked as
patrol warrant officer. In October 2011 he was
employed as biologist forensic laboratory analyst
in the Carabinieri Corp Forensic Department
of Parma where he is actually working
and daily deals with many casework, for the
biology aspect, from burglaries to homicides
and several crime scene reconstruction/BPA;
meanwhile he passed the State exam for the
biologist profession and profitably attended the
workshop of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis on
march 2013 at the Miami – Dade Public and
Safety Training Institute and the course of
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis II on April 2014 at
the Louisiana State Police Public Safety Institute.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
50 shades of red:blood stain age estimation
using hyperspectral imaging
Gerda Edelman ‐ NFI
Abstract
The red appearance of blood is due to
the absorption properties of oxygenated
hemoglobin. After blood leaves the body
circulation, its color changes from bright
red to dark brown. When measured
quantitatively using hyperspectral imaging,
this color change can be used to
estimate the age of blood stains. By
analysing the reflectance spectra of
blood stains, we are able to determine
the concentration change of oxyhemoglobin,
methemoglobin and hemichrome
- all reaction products of hemoglobin.
The relative amount of these hemoglobin
derivatives can in turn be used to
calculate the age blood, without destroying
or even touching the stain. We
evaluated this method in the laboratory
and studied the influence of environmental
circumstances, human variability
and colored substrates on the results.
Recently, a new custom-made hyperspectral
camera was developed to perform
measurements at the crime scene.
This camera will be demonstrated in a
workshop. The theoretical background
will be explained in this talk.
Biography
Gerda Edelman is a scientist specialized in forensic
applications of hyperspectral imaging.
She was part of a research group at the Academic
Medical Center (AMC) in Amsterdam who
developed a method for the age estimation of
blood stains using hyperspectral imaging. In
2014, she successfully defended her PhD research
on the spectral analysis of blood stains
at the crime scene. Gerda Edelman is currently
employed as a researcher within the Mobile
Forensic Team of the Netherlands Forensic Institute
(NFI). Her role is to improve existing,
and develop new, innovative techniques to be
used by her crime scene investigation colleagues
in the field. Together with the AMC,
she is currently validating the technique for
bloodstain age estimation to make it applicable
in forensic casework
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
A new innovative tool for blood stain and
spatter search and analysis
Norbert Jaufmann ‐ Aestor Forensics
Abstract
Some of the established chemicals for
detection and visualisation of blood emit
rather weak chemo-luminescence or
fluorescence.
In order to see or analyse the blood
stains or blood spatter, the crime scene
has to be almost fully darkened. Sometimes
this is difficult, sometimes impossible.
In cooperation with the Institute of Legal
Medicine at Ludwig-Maximilian-
University Munich, Germany, Attestor
Forensics designed SCENEview BV800,
a novel approach to enhance the visibility
of fine blood stains or spray, using a
high grade residual light amplifier.
Trimmed exactly to the wavelength of
the application, the light emission can
be enhanced up to a factor of x70,000.
With SCENEview BV800 the luminescence
can be seen long time before the
human eye would be able to detect
anything, resulting in the capability to
work in not entirely darkened crime
scenes and reducing the amount of
chemical used substantially.
Biography
Norbert achieved a German SCE degree (State
Certified Engineer) in Data Electronics and
holds an MBA (Master of Business Administration)
in Management from a UK university.
His initial work as a product manager and technology
trainer for a leading German manufacturer.
After almost 8 years in this position, Norbert
moved on to a German company, specializing
in high performance signal processing. In 1998,
Norbert joined a UK based leading manufacturer
of forensic science equipment and was appointed
Director European Operations at their
German based subsidiary in 2000.
Norbert has carried out many hands-on customer
trainings and seminars worldwide across
a wide range of forensic products.
In 2007 together with two colleagues he founded
the German based Attestor Forensics, which
besides acting as the exclusive sales and service
organization for Foster+Freeman products
in four countries in Europe also designs and
manufactures own forensic products
which are in use worldwide.
60

The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Decision map for bloodstain
pattern recognition
Philippe Esperança ‐ BPA expert ‐ France
Abstract
The first step of the Bloodstain pattern
Analysis is the recognition of the pattern
studied. Following the Joe Slemko
definition, the identification is through
the examination of the shapes, locations
and distribution patterns of bloodstains.
These kind of information and goal of
identification reminded me my first academic
studies: Entomology.
For Insect as well as for all animals and
plants, exists key of identification or
map decision allowing their user to
identify the insect, animal or plant that
he studies. So why not doing the same
for the Bloodstain Patterns!!
I needed 7 years to finish my process of
identification using a map decision that
I am ready now to present you.
Using this tool of the Bloodstain Pattern
Recognition, the French ISO board allowed
me to present my total process of
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis for the ISO
17020 Accreditation.
But this process is another lecture presented
during this same IABPA congress.
Biography
Philippe Esperança started his career in Forensic
Sciences in 1990 being the scientific support
for the creation of the Forensic Entomology
Department of the French Gendarmerie Forensic
Institute.
The same Institute asked Philippe to create a
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Service in 1999.
The discovery of this discipline over selfconducted
practices and trainings in Canada
was a great time to Philippe. In the same time,
he obtained a General Forensic MS He developed
the French BPA procedures and he has
educated the French Gendarmerie Criminal
Scene Investigators about BPA until he left the
French Gendarmerie in 2008.
His first BPA expertise was in 1999 with a
butchering and just after with a triple homicide.
He contributed to the development of the
Bluestar chemical product in 2000-2001.
He became the first qualified BPA expert for the
French criminal court in 2002 with the murder
of a juge in the Reunion Island. Now, he is
Bloodstain Pattern Expert for the Supreme
Court of France and for the International Criminal
Court.
He has also been appointed as a Bloodstain
Pattern Expert for cases outside France
(Belgium, US, Morocco).
He gives lectures in front of many different
people like judges, CIS, detectives, medical
examiners and university students.
Since this year he develop his own company for
forensic and BPA expertises for magistrates,
training for police academies and Research &
Development.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Laser Scanner Technology
Ivan Macella ‐ Faro Company & Forensiceye
Abstract
In this presentation, we will describe
the advantages of working with the late
hardware and software technologies
available.
Basic crime scene documentation requires
highly detailed accounts of evidence
at the scene; however, it can be
a challenge for investigators and technicians
to document everything given the
short window of collection time and the
sensitivity of the evidence. The following
presentation discusses how CAM2
FOCUS 3D Laser Scanner supplied by
ME.S.A. srl is utilized to document crime
scenes in a more comprehensive manner
compared to traditional tools if used
with a dedicated and advanced 3D CSI
Faro software.
Biography
Ivan Macella is a full Accreditated expert as a
Traffic Accident Reconstructionist
To ACTAR .
He is qualified as an Expert in the area of Accident
Reconstruction and Forensic Mapping in all
the Italian Courts.
He also work in reconstruction,Crime Scene 3D
Reconstruction, Forensic Animation also for the
Prosecutor’s Office all over Italy.
He is a Certified Instructor – ARAS 360 Inc.
Forensic 3D Drawing and Animation software.
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65

The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
HemoVision: an automated and virtual
approach to BPA
Philip Joris ‐ University Hospitals KUL ‐ UZ Leuven
Abstract
Traditional Bloodstain Pattern Analysis,
referred to as stringing, starts by estimating
individual impact angles through ellipse
fitting, after which a piece of string is used
to visualise the stain’s flight path. An estimated
area of origin can then be obtained
by analysing the convergence of these
strings. This approach has been successfully
used, but is clearly a tedious and time
-consuming process requiring skill and
expertise. Software packages such as
HemoSpat and BackTrack use digital images
and intuitive software in order to facilitate
this process. Several advantages are
apparent, though substantial user input is
still required. We have therefore proposed
and developed a new approach, using
computer vision techniques to remove
most manual work. Fiducial markers are
placed in and around a spatter pattern,
after which the pattern is photographed.
Close-up images provide sufficient resolution
for accurate stain analysis, which is
achieved by using an Active Bloodstain
Shape Model. The placed markers are then
used to automatically reconstruct a single
coordinate frame from all images. In this
reconstructed coordinate frame, flight path
analysis can be performed using traditional
(manual) methods, or existing software.
By using the proposed marker-based system,
most of the manual work is removed
from the process of BPA. We believe that,
due to its fast and objective nature, the
proposed pipeline may be a valuable update
to automated Bloodstain Pattern
Analysis.
Biography
Philip Joris was born on February 18th, 1990 in
Belgium. In 2012, he obtained his master’s
degree in Applied Engineering in Antwerp. He
moved to Leuven, where one year later, he
obtained his master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence.
From 2013 up until now, Philip has been
pursuing a Ph.D. in computer science at the KU
Leuven, in co-operation with the University
Hospital. His research is focused on the automated
detection of anomalies in medical images,
with an application to virtual autopsies.
Additionally, he has been working together with
the forensics department of Leuven to develop
and implement bloodstain pattern analysis software,
aimed at automating the process of BPA.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Advances in computer software.
Documenting and analyzing spatter stain
groups with HemoSpat
Gordon L.M. Lefebvre ‐ VP IABPA ‐ Region IV
Abstract
Violent bloodletting crimes often result
in the presence of impact bloodstain
patterns on walls and other surfaces
found within the crime scene. These
patterns may be fully developed and
clearly identifiable, other times they
may be subtle and not easily detected.
The collection of sufficient spatter stains
can be critical to an accurate analysis.
The bloodstain pattern analyst is faced
with many challenges relating to the
documentation of spatter stains within
the crime scene. Subsequent analysis of
the spatter stains provide significant
information regarding the location of
the blood source at the time blows were
struck. Advances in digital imaging and
bloodstain computer analysis software
have provided powerful tools in area of
origin determinations. These advances
can assist in more complete analysis as
well as reduce time extended in the
scene determining which stains to document
and collect. These advances can
also provide methods which could be
used by trained forensic personnel to
effectively document and collect spatter
stains for subsequent off-scene analysis
by a bloodstain pattern analyst who is
unavailable for scene attendance.
Biography
30 years’ policing service with the Ontario Provincial
Police currently holds the rank of Staff
Sergeant.
Has held various roles during policing career,
beginning with providing general law enforcement
duties as a uniform police officer from
19984-1994. These duties consisted of investigations
and enforcement of provincial and federal
laws, as well as specialized traffic enforcement
and technical collision investigation.
Entered forensic identification services (FIS) in
1994 and has moved from rank of constable to
Staff Sergeant within the FIS program.
Currently Regional Manager – East Region Forensic
Identification Services, oversees operation
and management of 3 FIS Units, also responsible
as the Program manager of the OPP
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis program, the OPP
Friction Ridge program, and is Chair of the OPP
FIS Standard Operating committee.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Influence of impact velocity, fluid depth and
free space on the crown growth of the impact
mechanism and its implications for BPA
Theresa Stotesbury ‐ Trent University
Abstract
We have all come to know and love the
impact pattern at one point or another
in our BPA careers. Our research looks
at the basic dynamics of the impact
mechanism before the blood creates the
static patterns that are routinely processed
at crime scenes. We use highspeed
videos of an impact to investigate
the influence of impact velocity, fluid
depth and free-space on the characteristics
of the mechanism itself. Our work
primarily focuses on the changes in
crown growth for both blood and water
time. This presentation will cover our
observed qualitative and quantitative
comparisons in crown shape and size
under a range of impact conditions. We
demonstrate that the point of maximum
crown size is where most of the droplets
form. This is different from what is traditionally
defined as the point of origin.
Our findings from this study provide an
experimental explanation for the oftenreported
underestimates in CPx and
overestimates in CPz in area of origin
estimation studies.
Biography
Theresa Stotesbury is a Ph.D. candidate in the
Materials Science program at Trent University
in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Her project
aims to use silicon colloid chemistry to create
safe and artificial blood substitutes that can be
used for crime scene reconstruction and BPA
research. She is the recipient of the prestigious
Vanier Scholarship held by doctoral students
attending Canadian universities. Previous to
embarking on her Ph.D. at Trent, Theresa completed
her M.Sc. in Forensic Science at the
University of Auckland in New Zealand and is
also a B.Sc.F.S. graduate from Trent.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Implementing probabilistic approaches and
Bloodstain Pattern Simulation [with
Francesco Camana ‐ Italian State Police
Abstract
Biography
A general overview of the importance of
the statistical and probabilistic approaches
in BPA is presented. In particular
we show examples of application of
the probabilistic method for the calculation
of the area of convergence of projected
blood drops, realized with AnTra-
GoS, the BPA software of Italian National
Police.
Moreover we describe a possible procedure
to estimate the height of origin of
projections, based on a combined analysis
of the single drop trajectories. We
finally present the usefulness of Bloodstain
Pattern Simulation (BPS) as a tool
for reproducing the statistical characters
of the blood patterns and for validating
the results of the determination of the
area of origin.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Calculating the coordinates of the area of convergence
by using high school mathematics
Ludo Verbeek ‐ Dutch Naonal Police
Abstract
In 2011 an impact pattern was found on
uneven and sloping walls on a homicide
scene. Unfortunately the current methods
are not suitable on uneven and
sloping walls. The last few years I have
developed a model, which allows for the
calculation of the coordinates of the
area of convergence, which could potentially
solve this gap. In this new
model the area of convergence is calculated
by using the distance between
multiple bloodstains and the angles
between the lines through the long axis
of the bloodstains. By combining the
coordinates with the angle of impact of
the bloodstain, investigators are now
able to calculate the coordinates of the
area of origin. If you measure the angle
between the line through the long axis
of the bloodstain and the plum line, it is
possible to calculate the coordinates of
the selected bloodstains. The calculated
coordinates can be used to calculate the
coordinates of the intersection of lines
through the long axis of the bloodstain.
Biography
Ludo Verbeek (1978) has a Bachelor degree in
Human Kinetic Technology from the The Hague
University of applies sciences. Ludo Verbeek is
a senior forensic investigator, crime scene coordinator
and bloodstain pattern analyst for the
forensics department of the Dutch National
Police, unit The Hague. In 2007 Ludo started
working as a Senior Forensic Investigator, during
his training as a Senior Forensic Investigator
he developed an interest in Bloodstain pattern
analysis. In 2011 he attended a bloodstain
analysis course at Loci Forensics. During the
last four year Ludo has preformed multiple
bloodstain pattern analysis.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Impact velocity of blood droplets for crime
scene reconstruction
Nick Laan ‐ University of Amsterdam
Abstract
Within Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, forensic
experts commonly use the stringing
method, based on a straight line
approximation of the blood droplet trajectories
to determine where the source
of a bloodstain pattern was. However,
by ignoring gravity, errors as large as
45 cm may arise when inferring the 3Dlocation
of the wound. Accordingly, it is
impossible to discern, e.g., between a
standing or sitting position of the victim.
To reconstruct the trajectories correctly,
the impact velocity of the droplets
needs to be determined. We show
how this can be done directly from the
shape and volume of dried bloodstains.
By using advanced fluid dynamics based
on a balance of inertial, viscous and
capillary forces, we are able to determine
the impact velocity of the bloodstains.
In this way, we are able to determine
the curved trajectory by taking
gravity into account. With a proof-ofprinciple
experiment we show that our
method reduces the uncertainty in the
reconstructed height of the origin of the
bloodstains significantly, making it possible
to determine the position of, e.g.,
a victim much more accurately.
Biography
In 2008 Nick Laan obtained his Bachelor of
Science in Physics at the Vrije Universiteit (VU)
in Amsterdam. Nick obtained his Master of Science
at the University of Amsterdam in 2011.
During his Masters he did a project on the Academic
Medical Centre (AMC) of Amsterdam
under supervision of Dr. M.C.G. Aalders and Dr.
R.H. Bremmer of which the work has been published.
His Master thesis was a collaborative
project with the AMC and the Netherlands Forensic
Institute (NFI). In this project, the use of
Optical Coherence Tomography in volume determination
of a blood drop was investigated.
The project was done under supervision of Dr.
M.C.G. Aalders and Dr. K.G. de Bruin.
After finishing his Master, Nick started his PhD
at the University of Amsterdam under the supervision
of Dr. K.G. de Bruin and Prof. Dr. D.
Bonn. As part of the Soft Matter group from the
Institute of Physics (IoP), Nick incorporates
fluid dynamics with Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
(BPA). The subject of his PhD is to investigate
whether the velocity of a blood drop can be
determined from a dried bloodstain to improve
BPA methodologies which are used on crimes
scenes. In 2012, Nick received the Best Poster
Award at the European Academy of Forensic
Science, for his novel work in combining fluid
dynamics with BPA.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Human blood detection dog.
Vincenzo Scavongelli ‐ HBDD ITALY
Abstract
The research project Human Blood Detection
Dog was born in 2007 by Micheli Giacomo and
Scavongelli Vincenzo in order to support the
activities of forensic investigation in the
search for traces of human blood latent, and
not, and human remains, through the use of
specifically trained canine units. The ultimate
purpose is to implement the existing protocols
of intervention experimenting new methods
and strategies through interdisciplinary and
multinational yearly simulation and through
targeted scientific studies, thus promoting
coordination and synergy of partnership between
the various scientific fields, canine
trainings and technology involved. Specifically,
two studies were performed: the scientific
validation of two of the four canine subjects
employed and the comparison of detection
capability of the same, including the two nonvalidated,
with the presumptive tests used in
forensic analysis of blood traces. In order to
be able to assess in an objectively reliable
performance, the animal subjects used were
considered as detection tools, performing the
tests in at least two different dates, in outdoor
or indoor location and in sterile conditions
or reproduction of actual scenarios of
intervention depending on the operating context.
In consequence of the results obtained it
can be said that the combined use of specifically
trained canine units and forensic presumptive
tests significantly increase the probability
of detection of traces of human blood;
in the first place for the complementarity of
signaling / positive results issued by the two
groups of tools, for the discrete reliability
found in both of them and then to the high
learning ability of animal subjects and of the
easy and rapid use of forensic presumptive
tests.
Biography
Since the born of the project, handler of his
two specific-trained dogs for the search of human
blood and human remains, Scavongelli
Vincenzo is involved in the development of
technologies and methodologies to facilitate the
planning and conduction of the researches and
he's also trainer for technical collaborators. He
has actively participated in national/international
conventions and conferences,
like the Second International Conference
on Engineering Geophysics (Al Ain, United Arab
Emirates) on November 25, 2013, regarding a
study where are combined geophysical methods
with the use of dogs for the detection of
corpse entitled "Search Missing Persons: A multidisciplinary
Analysis".
Along with Mr. Micheli, they organize, from
2012 yearly multinational and multidisciplinary
cross-training operations for the search of
missing persons deemed alive, deceased or
injured and related events connected. In 2009-
2010 he contributed along with Mr. Micheli to
graduation thesis named "Analysis and evaluation
for test results for scientific validation for
the search with dogs of human blood traces
(Dr. Trivella S.)” and in 2014 to graduation
thesis named "Olfactive sensibility study for the
use of canine units for the search of human
blood traces (Dr. Cossu S.)”.
In the meanwhile he is working together with
his staff to some works that could be improve
to understand the destruction and the dispersion
of human remains by the wildlife as well as
the study on the application of the deficit by
dehydration to facilitate the search for a missing
person.
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The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Drone activities on the crime scenes
Tullio Iaria ‐ Fabbrica dei Droni
Abstract
Often when working on a crime scene,
even taking all the necessary precautions,
you are likely to pollute or not to
find everything you look for.
Our intervention wants to exert the
potential use of new robotic technologies
in the search for traces of blood in
open areas and confined spaces, preserving
the scene and allowing a more
accurate collection of data.
Biography
Tullio Iaria, born in Reggio di Calabria
14.10.1977.
Graduate in Law at Camerino.
Master in computer crime at University Mediterraneo
.
Post graduate c/o CASD “ Centro Alti Studi
Difesa” Military Legal Advisor
CEO of Fabbrica Italiana Droni.
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81

The 5 th European
Internaonal Associaon
of Bloodstain Paern Analysts
(IABPA) Conference
Rome 2015
Acknoledgements
We would like to thank the IABPA for giving Raggruppamento Carabinieri
Scientific Investigation Services the opportunity to host the 5 th European
IABPA Conference in Rome, in particular Pat Laturnus President of IABPA.
We would also like to thank our colleagues and the other organizations
who have supported as and made this conference possible.
The Carabinieri Corps.
The Municipality of Roma Capitale.
The Vatican Gendarmerie.
Lgt. Francesco Cominetti.
The Biology Unit Of Ra.C.I.S.
The Promega Corporation.
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photo by Francesco Cominetti

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