10/02/07

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis is defined as

 the examination of the shapes, locations, and distribution patterns of bloodstains, in order to provide an interpretation of the physical events which gave rise to their origin.

• The direction a given droplet was traveling at the time of impact
•  The angle of impact
• An estimated distance between the target and the point of origin
• The type of force used to create the bloodstain pattern (drip, blow, gunshot, etc.)
• The direction from which the force was applied
• Characteristics of the object/weapon used
• The approximate number of blows struck
• Approximate positions of the victim, suspect or other objects in the scene
• The sequencing of certain events associated with the incident
• In some instances - which hand was used to deliver the blows in a beating

There are many different types and classifications of bloodstain patterns that can be associated with a specific event or mechanism that could have created the pattern.  But it is extremely important for the analyst to consider how the bloodstains are related the the scene as a whole, and not offer an opinion based solely on the bloodstain.  Therefore, the bloodstain pattern analysis becomes an additional tool to be used in conjunction with all the other information obtained as part of the crime scene reconstruction.

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