ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to familiarize homicide detectives with the availability of certain technical and psychological tools that can be utilized in professional investigations. Practically speaking, these techniques may be limited to specific cases. However, they are viable adjuncts to the investigation and may provide additional facts, information, and identification of suspects. In order to acquaint detectives with these investigative methodologies, I have provided information, case histories, and recommendations for the following techniques:
Bite-mark identification Hypnosis Latent prints on human skin Polygraph Psycholinguistics Psychics Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) Homicide involving the theft of a fetus Stalkers VICAP, statewide and regional information systems
Bite-Mark Identification
The purpose of this section is to acquaint investigators with practical information and procedures which can be employed in the investigation of homicides involving bite-mark evidence. Bite marks are usually found in cases involving extremely emotional and violent episodes such as child abuse, felonious assault, sexual assault, and sex-related homicides. According to forensic odontologist, Dr. Kevin M. Dugan, D.D.S., “In order for investigators to utilize this evidence, they must first be able to recognize the existence of this type of wound and then be able to properly collect this evidence from the bite mark area” (personal communication). (Note: a bite mark will have a C-shaped or ovoid appearance with individual marks
showing the presence of teeth. I have included various photos of bite-marks here to assist investigators in making this observation.)
Forensic odontology, which is the use of dentistry in legal matters, has become a highly important and technically complex area because a medicolegal investigation of bite-mark evidence has proved to be successful in many noteworthy cases. One of the more prominent cases which helped forensic odontology to receive recognition and acclaim was the Theodore Bundy case in Florida. Bundy, who has since been executed by the State of Florida, was convicted for murder. The prosecution used forensic dentistry to link Bundy to the bite marks he had inflicted on his victims during a sexual rampage and murder at the Chi Omega Sorority dorm. The forensic odontologist testified with reasonable medical and dental certainty at the trial that the defendant, Ted Bundy, had inflicted the bite marks.
