Expert: Dick Rogers - 5/15/2007

Question
What trace evidence can be overlooked by a cautious criminal (one who tries not to leave evidence)? Any unusual piece of evidence, etc.?

Answer
Jim, tend to think micro...that is very small...when we go anywhere, we tend to leave evidence of our having been there.  Fabric from our carpets stick to our shoes, in the heat of a struggle we can leave body fluids (blood, sweat, skin, etc.).  When I was working homicide, I referred to my partner as the macro guy...always looking at the big picture and I was the micro guy...pouring over the body or close proximity to the body for microscopic evidence.  Any contact a person has with the victim sets the stage for a deposit of evidence.