Forensic Evidence
Chain of Custody and Preservation of Evidence in the JonBenet Ramsey Murder Case
The objective of this study is to discuss how criminalists protect evidence from contamination and to demonstrate appropriate techniques for handling evidence. This study will differentiate between latent and visible evidence and advocate for the necessity of proper procedures to uphold evidence findings. Specifically, this study will review a known criminal case involving chain of custody and preservation of evidence and will answer as to how significant the physical evidence was in the criminal investigations of this case. As well this study will answer what type of evidence was involved in the case, latent, visible, or both and if the secure chain of custody was followed. Finally this study will answer whether the legal integrity of all evidence was upheld through proper possession, handling, storing, and documentation and answer why it is important and necessary to maintain accurate written records and processes while tracking the possession, handling, and storage of evidence from collection through report. Part II of this study will involve the creation of a chain of custody policy that reflects on the proper procedures for accepting and handling evidence including: (1) chain of custody procedures; and (2) upholding evidence integrity.
Introduction
The case chosen for review in this study is the murder of JonBenet Ramsey, a female child eight years of age in Boulder Colorado. JonBenet was found murdered in the family home on December 26, 1996, following her mother first finding a ransom note. It was hours later until the body of the child was actually discovered in a basement room of the family's home.
I. Chain of Custody in Evidence in the Ramsey Case
The chain of custody evidence in the Ramsey case was form the very beginning a terribly handled process as the Boulder, Colorado police did little to secure the murder scene and are reported to have allowed many people to come and go from the family's residence.
The Virginia Department of Forensic Science...
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