Collection of Trace Evidence from Bombing Victims at Autopsy

Abstract

The body recovered from the scene of a bombing may contain important trace evidence that links the suspect to the crime. Recognizing the lack of guidelines for evidence removal from the body, we have prepared a protocol to guide the pathologist in the collection of trace evidence from the bombing victim. Case material used in the development of the protocol included 13 bombing fatalities reported to the St. Louis Medical Examiner's Office since 1975.