Mute Witnesses: Trace Evidence Analysis

Trace evidence is a part of almost every investigation, due to the ubiquitous nature of the materials that comprise trace evidence: Paint, hair, fibers, glass, and soil, among others. Although "common", these materials are by no means uniform. Varying in size, color, type, intentional additives, accidental characteristics, batch formulations, end-use products, and applications, trace evidence materials present an almost limitless combination of traits for identification and comparison. Correspondence between known and questioned materials can closely link suspects, victims, and crime scenes. Trace evidence can corroborate witnesses’ stories, provide leads, and change the course of investigations.

Mute Witnesses: Trace Evidence Analysis corrects the misconception that DNA evidence is the forensic science Each chapter presents a case review, particularly those where DNA evidence was not available, did not work, or was not probative. Each chapter presents the facts of the case, the progress of the investigation, and how trace evidence assisted. Every case also highlights some important aspect of trace evidence, such as instrumentation, sampling methods, interpretation, significance, research to answer a case-related question, or a manufacturing process. The chapters are self-contained and written for both technical expert and layman alike.

Mute Witnesses: Trace Evidence Analysis will be of interest to:

- scientists
- attorneys
- investigators
- students

Audience: Trace analysts and other forensic scientists, crime scene specialists, police officers, private investigators, fire investigators, lawyers, students in related fields, and general readers interested in true crime stories and how they are solved.