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Unusual Case Involving the Individualization of Fabric Impressions Made by a Sock-clad Foot

NCJ Number
184998
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 50 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2000 Pages: 447-454
Author(s)
Donald W. Doller
Date Published
2000
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The examination and comparison of fabric impressions are normally associated with motor vehicle accidents in which a portion of the vehicle contacts some portion of the pedestrian victim's clothing; this article describes an examination to determine the distinctive fabric impressions made by a sock-clad foot in a murder investigation.
Abstract
On August 31, 1998, the Suffolk County Crime Lab (New York) was requested to respond to a residence where the body of an adult female was found stabbed to death and lying on the floor of the den of her home. Several fabric patterns were noted after enhancement. The patterns were documented and photographed for comparison purposes. The stepson of the victim quickly became a suspect. During questioning, blood was noted on the suspect's socks. The socks were secured subsequent to the suspect's arrest and submitted to the laboratory. A comparison was made between the fabric impressions and the socks. This article describes the details of this procedure. The examiners concluded that the suspect's sock made five of the nine impressions. This conclusion was based on the agreement of the overall pattern of the stain on the sock with the impressions, the matching of the location and combination of the secondary stains on the sock with the impression, and the matching of the location and combination of fabric tufts on the sock with the impressions. 5 figures and 6 references