Forensic Knife Analysis and Knife Crime Injury Analysis

Forensic Knife Analysis Experts regard the pattern of injuries to a victim of an assault or murder as vital to identifying not only the suspect but the weapon used.

Similar to gunshot wound analysis and gunshot residue analysis, knife wounds and knife injury patterns tell a story of an incident whether it was an attack from the front or behind. Or possibly a self inflicted injury. Forensic Injury Analysis is often used to identify whether knife cuts are self caused. An in-depth analysis of knife wounds from a knife attack will demonstrate a pattern and identify whether a slashing motion was evident which is an infliction of long but superficial cuts or a jab which demonstrates a deep puncture wound. A forensic knife expert witness will also be able to determine from the crime scene the timing of the blows, to determine which of the blows may have killed a victim.

When analysing a knife which has been involved with an assault or murder its common for the knife to retain some of the victims blood (and even that of the assailant), and because the knife needs to be held to be effective, a knife can be a storehouse of forensic information. Blood types, skin cells that house DNA, and fingerprints may all be present on a knife recovered at a crime or accident scene.

Knife crime is a significant problem in the UK and many new punishments are being issued to deter young people from carrying knives. Knives come in all shapes and sizes from pocket knifes to machetes. Amongst youths today Knives and daggers have been concealed in belts in belt buckles, and even in the plastic arms of eyeglasses. But, when the aim is to attack someone, a large knife is desirable. Domestically, kitchen knives often become the preferred choice amongst suspects.

If you require further information on knife crime analysis, forensic knife analysis, knife expert witness service or injury analysis please contact Forensic Resources ltd on 02920 647 043.