Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientist

LIsa Black

Cape Coral, FL

Female, 49

I spent the five happiest years of my life in a morgue. As a forensic scientist in the Cleveland coroner’s office I analyzed gunshot residue on hands and clothing, hairs, fibers, paint, glass, DNA, blood and many other forms of trace evidence, as well as crime scenes. Now I'm a certified latent print examiner and CSI for a police department in Florida. I also write a series of forensic suspense novels, turning the day job into fiction. My books have been translated into six languages.

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Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

If a person died from a bullet wound within an hour and his eyes are open and he was shot 24 more times will his eyes stay open or would they shut from muscle contractions. If alive with 1 shot, then shot 24 times will eyes be open or shut

Asked by Ggrreenn almost 8 years ago

I have no idea. It could be either. It doesn't matter how many times they were shot. As far as I know it would only matter if their eyes were open or not at the moment they died, not what happened before or after they died.

What are the most common ways that people have been killed

Asked by bart white over 7 years ago

Gunshot is the most common, then bludgeoning, then stabbing.

How long does a blood sample last taken to verify THC content in the specimen? I'm still waiting for results from over 7 months ago.

Asked by Gregory almost 8 years ago

I don't know, but it could depend mostly on where the sample was sent and what their backlog is. Some state labs might have a bad backlog. It could also depend on how they prioritize samples.

Before an autopsy is performed, must all the blood be removed from the body?

Asked by Richard Ferstandig about 7 years ago

No. Much blood will drain from all the cutting done during the autopsy, but no attempt is made to particularly remove it.

What can be said about a time(frame) of death if a deceased was found with no lividity and no rigor mortis?

Asked by Emonzi about 8 years ago

Barring any bizarre circumstances i would think they have only been dead for a short time. But that's really a pathologist's question.Hope that helps!

what work experience is recommended ?

Asked by kenia almost 8 years ago

Any kind of lab work, lab courses or internships in laboratories or with the criminal justice system.

Considering gunpowder residue, how is it possible for someone to get it on their hand after simply firing a gun?

Asked by R-Mod over 7 years ago

Gunshot residue can actually refer to two things, gunpowder that flies out of the barrel with the bullet and can land on the victim, and primer residue that can leak out of the back of the bullet cartridge and spray out onto the shooter's hand. But it can also get on the gun or nearby surfaces or people so presence of it on hands does not prove someone fired a gun, and it can wipe off easily so absence of it doesn't prove they did.