Introduction
In every crime investigation, it is mandatory that the evidence gathered be adequate to draw the link between the suspect, crime scene and the victim. It is the strength of this evidence that makes the case qualifies for a trial. This report therefore seeks to analyze the link between the suspect, crime scene and the victim in the case described below.
The Case
This report is about a sexual assault case scenario with two victims aged eight and nine years respectively. The suspect is their stepfather. The victims are present at the scene during the investigation, but the suspect is absent. The victims’ mother who is also the suspect’s wife reports the case, but is not sure about the duration of the crime.
The evidence triangle
Physical evidence plays a very important role in linking the suspect, the victim and the crime scene. Evidence triangle makes use of the physical evidence collected during crime investigation to draw the linkage. There has to be a connection between all the evidence to ensure successful ruling of the case.
Crime Scene
The suspect can transfer different forms of evidence to the scene of crime during sexual assault. In this Case, it is possible to find traces of the suspect’s body fluids in the scene. I suppose the act took place in the children’s bedroom hence semen stained bed sheets can draw the linkage if the DNA proves the connection. Besides, traces of hair breakages and fingerprints can act as leading evidence to link this suspect with the crime scene.
Apart from the suspect, victims can also transfer certain forms of evidence to the crime scene. In this Case, presence of bloodstains in the crime scene can prove that some force was used during the assault. This can link the victims with the crime scene. However, this line of evidence is only strong if the girls show symptoms of physical injury.
Suspect
In this Case, the suspect is absent during investigations. Either way, there is still enough evidence to link him with the crime scene and the victims. If the assault actually took place, then traces of his semen must be present in the body parts of the victims. His fingerprints and hair breakages must be present in the children’s private body parts. There is a possibility that such elements were transferred to the victims during the assault. Other elements, like semen stained bed sheets found in the children’s bedroom can also act as evidence enough to link him with the crime scene.
Victim
In this Case, the victims are present during investigation and can provide some leading evidence. Clothes warn by the girls during the assault can be used to link them with the suspect and crime scene. Presence of the suspect’s fingerprints in their underpants can link them with the suspect. Suspected semen stains may also be present in their clothes and can be analyzed further to link the victims with the suspect. Besides, the physical status of their clothes can provide leads to conclude that the suspect used force and thus act as a link. In addition, other elements like presence of the suspect’s hair breakages and cloth fibers found on the victims can be used to link them with the suspect. Examination of the girls’ body also provides evidence to link them with the crime scene. Things like torn clothing and virginal examination to evaluate if the penetration took place can provide some leading evidence.