Mute Witnesses: Trace Evidence Analysis

Trace evidence is small, even microscopic remnants of materials found at a crime scene or on a victim. The term "mute witnesses" is commonly used to refer to these small bits of evidence such as paint smears, fibers, hair strands, dirt particles, glass fragments, and other items.

Trace evidence can be used to tell the story of how a crime was committed and to identify and convict suspects. Recent improvements in the techniques used to collect and analyze trace evidence have played a key role in solving many cases that might have gone unsolved just a few years ago.

Mute Witnesses: Trace Evidence Analysis presents intriguing case studies from well-recognized experts and bright young stars in the field. Each chapter presents the facts of one or more prominent cases (particularly cases where DNA evidence was not available or was inconclusive), follows the progress of the investigation and how trace evidence assisted, and highlights important aspects for teaching. The cases cover carpet "nubs," hair and wig fibers, plastics in automobiles, glass, feathers, cross-transfer evidence, and more.

This unique book shows how the latest analysis techniques can provide new leads, detect evidence that has been transferred from one place to another, and closely link suspects, victims, and crime scenes. Numerous photographs and illustrations are included throughout the text. The material is written in a style that is accessible to trace analysts, crime scene specialists, police officers, lawyers, and students. This book is ideal for training, review, or general interest.

* Real case studies show how trace evidence was used to help solve difficult cases
* Written by top investigators from the FBI, crime labs, state police, etc.
* Outlines how the latest analysis techniques can provide new leads and closely link suspects, victims, and crime scenes
* Includes numerous color photographs and illustrations
* Designed for training, reference, or general interest

Max M. Houck is the Director of the Forensic Science Initiative at West Virginia University, a program that develops research and professional training for forensic scientists and related professionals. Mr. Houck is a trace evidence expert and forensic anthropologist who was assigned to the Trace Evidence Unit at the FBI Laboratory from 1992 to 2001. While at the FBI, Mr. Houck worked over 800 cases, including several major cases. Before joining WVU, he was assigned to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, to assist with the examination and identification of the victims of the 9-11-01 Pentagon attack. Mr. Houck is the recipient of an FBI Performance Award and the ASTM Forensic Sciences Award in 2000. Mr. Houck is the editor of two volumes of case reviews, Mute Witnesses and Trace Evidence Analysis, both published with Academic Press.