A CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR IS LIKE A MASTER PUZZLE MAKER. LOOKING FOR PIECES, PIECING THEM TOGETHER, AND USING THEM TO SOLVE A CRIME ARE WHAT MAKE THE JOB CHALLENGING AND REWARDING.

Deciphering, observing, and untangling information and evidence at the crime scene provides the prosecutor what he needs to do his job – convict the guilty. In previous columns (Forensic Magazine June/July and August/September 2005), I talked about the importance of documenting, by means of a checklist, everything you see and everything that goes on at a crime scene. This is particularly true of a death scene.

Last issue, I covered how to record information relating to the coroner, body removal, and body identification. I then detailed how to record information if the body is found in a structure. What about bodies found in the water? In a vehicle? In an open area?

Body Found in Water
When dealing with a body found in or near the water, the first thing to do is record information about the location. What is the water type? It may be a pond, lake, river, creek, or other. If the body of water has a name, list that as well. Note specifically the location of the body, such as the name of a cove.

Next, you want to document the location relative to other things. This can give clues as to how the body got to its present location. Record the nearest structure over the water. Perhaps there is a bridge or train trestle. Could the body have been thrown? Could the victim have jumped? The name of the nearest road and its distance from the scene should be noted. Use observation or technology such as a GPS to measure. Record your method. Find out the location of the nearest boat ramp. There is always the possibility that the body was transported to its current location by boat.

Observe the air and water more closely. Document the temperatures of both and the depth of the water. Record if there is any current and in which direction it is flowing. Can this help you determine where the body was put into the water? Note the condition of the water: muddy, cloudy, or clear. You may need to check with the local weather bureau to determine the time and amount of the last precipitation.

Next, record the location of the body in the water. Is the body in the water? If so, how far is it from the shore or bank? If you consider it partially in the water or on the bank, note that. Document your observations of the bank. Is it comprised of sand, rock, gravel, dirt, or grass? How high is it? Is there a large drop off? Observe the body position. Is it floating, submerged, on its back, face down, or other? The amount of time a body has spent in the water can affect its position, so this may be a critical piece of the puzzle.

As is the case with any body, no matter where it is found, record the condition of the body. This should include notes on the level of preservation of the body (preserved, decomposed, skeletal), color, and levels of lividity and rigor. Record the presence of blood, ligature marks, and whether or not anything is tied to the body. Document if the body has any clothing and jewelry. Is there any other clothing found in the area?