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Validation of Tool Mark Analysis of Cut Costal Cartilage

NCJ Number
240825
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2012 Pages: 306-311
Author(s)
Jennifer C. Love Ph.D.; Sharon M. Derrick Ph.D.; Jason M. Wiersema Ph.D.; Charles Peters Ph.D.
Date Published
March 2012
Length
6 pages
Annotation

This study was designed to establish the potential error rate associated with the generally accepted method of tool mark analysis of cut marks in costal cartilage.

Abstract

This study was designed to establish the potential error rate associated with the generally accepted method of tool mark analysis of cut marks in costal cartilage. Three knives with different blade types were used to make experimental cut marks in costal cartilage of pigs. Each cut surface was cast, and each cast was examined by three analysts working independently. The presence of striations, regularity of striations, and presence of a primary and secondary striation pattern were recorded for each cast. The distance between each striation was measured. The results showed that striations were not consistently impressed on the cut surface by the blade's cutting edge. Also, blade type classification by the presence or absence of striations led to a 65 percent misclassification rate. Use of the classification tree and cross-validation methods and inclusion of the mean interstriation distance decreased the error rate to c. 50 percent. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.