The role of forensic botany in crime scene investigation: Case report and review of literature

I. Aquila; F. Ausania; C. Di Nunzio; A. Serra; S. Boca; A. Capelli; P. Magni; P. Ricci

doi:10.1111/1556-4029.12401

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The role of forensic botany in crime scene investigation: Case report and review of literature

Journal article

Peer reviewed

The role of forensic botany in crime scene investigation: Case report and review of literature

I. Aquila, F. Ausania, C. Di Nunzio, A. Serra, S. Boca, A. Capelli, P. Magni and P. Ricci

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Vol.59(3), pp.820-824

2014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.12401

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Abstract

Management of a crime is the process of ensuring accurate and effective collection and preservation of physical evidence. Forensic botany can provide significant supporting evidences during criminal investigations. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the importance of forensic botany in the crime scene. We reported a case of a woman affected by dementia who had disappeared from nursing care and was found dead near the banks of a river that flowed under a railroad. Two possible ways of access to crime scene were identified and denominated "Path A" and "Path B." Both types of soil and plants were identified. Botanical survey was performed. Some samples of Xanthium Orientalis subsp. Italicum were identified. The fall of woman resulted in external injuries and vertebral fracture at autopsy. The botanical evidence is important when crime scene and autopsy findings are not sufficient to define the dynamics and the modality of death.

Details

Title: The role of forensic botany in crime scene investigation: Case report and review of literature
Authors/Creators: I. Aquila (Author/Creator)
F. Ausania (Author/Creator)
C. Di Nunzio (Author/Creator)
A. Serra (Author/Creator)
S. Boca (Author/Creator)
A. Capelli (Author/Creator)
P. Magni (Author/Creator)
P. Ricci (Author/Creator)
Publication Details: Journal of Forensic Sciences, Vol.59(3), pp.820-824
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Identifiers: 991005545426907891
Copyright: © 2014 American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Murdoch Affiliation: Murdoch University
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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#16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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34 Times Cited - Web of Science

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 2 Chemistry; 2.244 Chemometrics; 2.244.1784 Forensic Spectroscopy
Web Of Science research areas: Medicine, Legal
ESI research areas: Clinical Medicine