ABSTRACT
If a body is found at the bottom of a staircase, ask: Did the victim trip and fall (an accidental death)? Did the victim su¥er a heart attack at the top of the stairs and then fall (natural death)? Did the victim throw himself or herself down the stairs to end some form of su¥ering (suicide)? Was the victim pushed down the stairs (homicide)?‡
Only the fourth explanation involves criminal activity. However, because the investigation must determine whether the case was a homicide, the other possibilities must be investigated. If a death scene appears to be noncriminal
in nature, the manner of death cannot be taken for granted. ™ere have been cases where the initial appearance of a death is natural or accidental, only to have a small bullet wound, blunt force wound, or knife wound found later at an autopsy. If hours, days, or weeks have lapsed since the scene was initially processed and released, it may be impossible to return to the scene to document and collect evidence. In some cases of homicide, the killer may attempt to disguise the scene to appear to be a suicide or accident. Regardless of the initial appearance of a scene, it is important to take nothing for granted and always process the scene thoroughly and professionally.
