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.
Sure, email me at lisa-black@live.com.
No and no, I’m afraid. That’s more a question for a pathologist.
I actually haven’t seen that movie. Do you mean super bloody homicides or ones where some psycho has set up a torture chamber? (The answers would be yes to the former, no to the latter.)
Contamination may make it impossible to get a DNA profile, or the profile might show a mixture. It will not cause a profile to look like someone else's DNA. Or it may have no effect at all. It depends what is contaminated with what.
Border Patrol Agent
When you catch an illegal alien crossing the border, is he deported immediately?
SWAT Team Commander (Retired)
How do you decide whether to try and kill a hostage taker?
Professional Reseller
What was your most valuable find in a thrift store?
I would major in biochemistry for either, and/or genetics for DNA. Best of luck!!
I’m not a pathologist but I think it’s possible even if not likely. Bodies start to stiffen in 1-2 hours but rigor reaches its peak somewhere around 12 hours. It can depend a great deal on temperature, body type and medical conditions.
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