Forensic Science and Physical Evidence

[Turbododger]

This is the place to discuss forensic science and physical evidence in the Victoria Stafford Case.

[Turbododger]

Tori Stafford's remains may yield clues that will help piece together what happened to the little girl after she vanished April 8.

"Forensic anthropologists also examine skeletal remains for signs of trauma like sharp force trauma, blunt force trauma or for signs of strangulation," said Dr. Tosha Dupras, an associate professor of anthropology at the University of Central Florida, in an e-mail yesterday.


Since Tori was missing for just more than three months, decomposition had likely begun but how much would depend on weather, place of disposal and site conditions.

"Smaller children would decompose faster than adults in most circumstances," said Dupras.

The condition of the clothing depends on the fabric. A cotton garment can decompose in four to six months, depending on the conditions, while polyester may last years.


"I would expect the clothes to be in relatively good condition given the time frame," Dr. Tracy Rogers, an associate professor at the University of Toronto specializing in forensic anthropology, said in an e-mail.
How the body was disposed of -- buried, left on the ground's surface or placed in plastic -- would also affect the evidence left for investigators, as would the exposure of the remains.
"Animals can easily disarticulate a skeleton and disturb the clothes and belongings," said Dupras.


How the body was disposed of -- buried, left on the ground's surface or placed in plastic -- would also affect the evidence left for investigators, as would the exposure of the remains.

"Animals can easily disarticulate a skeleton and disturb the clothes and belongings," said Dupras. Preservation is better if the body is buried, said Rogers.

"If remains were on the surface, they were likely scavenged," she said.
Insects speed decomposition considerably.
"In cases where that happens, the skull is one of the first areas to decompose and skeletonize, leaving the person unrecognizable," said Dupras.

http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Loc...03131-sun.html (http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Local/2009/07/21/10203131-sun.html)

[antiquegirl]

While this has no relevance to this case, I thought it was an interesting read from the New York Times:

"DNA Evidence Can Be Fabricated, Scientists Show

Scientists in Israel have demonstrated that it is possible to fabricate DNA evidence, undermining the credibility of what has been considered the gold standard of proof in criminal cases."

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/18/science/18dna.html?_r=3&ref=global-home

[robynhood]

I have been reading this web site for days and finally can no help myself for asking ....wouldn't it be nice to know what was found at the crime scene!!!! Sorry I am not sure if I posted this in the right section ? I am sure it will be moved! This site totally fasinates me I guess ever since Tori went missing my heart has been broken! I must also comment that it does get me upset how haard people have been on Tori's moms emotional reaction after her immediate diappearance! I am sure I am raising eyebrows ,,,I am a single mom too . Yes I would be an emotional basket case BUT being a teacher too I have seen how different Parents react differently! I am NOT saying that I am a bit suspicious with her knowing Terri-lynn and the comon drug use though...Thanks robynhood

[robynhood]

...Oh I am also curious about what happened to their dog....Cosmo? I know it was real sick for 3 days ...right around when the abduction occured with Tori .It was left @ the vet for a month as the family was so distaught! I thought there was some mention of that it was/may have been poisioned. I also did read Tori's brother thinking it ran away! If it was poisioned I wander if that may have been tied to the plot/ killers? I read someone else asking the same question? Anyone in Woodstock who knows the facts ...maybe they could find out from the vet?