By Sherry Gutierrez
There are several moments in history that have impacted people dramatically,
perhaps one of the most mysterious is the shooting assassination of John F.
Kennedy. Why was it done? Who planned it? Who executed the plan and how? These
are questions with so many variables that some feel we may never know the
complete answer. However, since 1963, forensic investigation techniques have
evolved and technology has become more advanced in a wide variety of fields. The
Internet has provided a means of sharing technical scientific information with
the general public, and the release of documents previously examined only by the
Warren Commission have been made available for review. As a result,
controversies surrounding the assassination have increasing looked to the
forensic community for analysis of this confusing and hotly debated
homicide.
One area that has entrenched supporters on each side is the
question "Did the head shot come from the front or the back?" The medical
records and contradicting testimony suggest exploration for confirmation in
other fields, and it is in this inquiry that bloodstain pattern analysis may
have something to offer.
Bloodstain pattern
analysis has made a notable contribution to the scientific investigation of
violent crime scenes by assisting with the reconstruction of the event in which
blood was shed. Since it is accepted in courts throughout the nation (1),
analysis of bloodstain patterns on crime scenes is routinely used by law
enforcement. Both international and U.S. based professional organizations
recognize bloodstain evidence analysis techniques as a valid investigative tool
(2).
Blood spatter analysis or evaluation is the study of the fixed
results of bloodstains disbursed onto a target surface as the result of some
type of force impacting blood. Blood is very uniform and reacts in predictable,
consistent and reproducible manners when impacted. Therefore, blood forced out
entry and exit wounds is disbursed in a prescribed manner.
This type of
analysis is founded in physics and mathematics (3) and based on the study of
research performed by many criminalists. Therefore, it satisfies one of the main
criteria for evidence analysis specified by the courts - that the evidence has
as its basis in sound scientific methodology.
note; This article was first published in the Dealey Plaza Echo Vol 6, No.1, 2002
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