“Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.” –fortune cookie saying
![smith-corona typewriter](https://i0.wp.com/jenniferjchow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/typewriter-1.jpg?resize=786%2C1024)
MurderCon is an annual training event put on by the Writers’ Police Academy, and 2020 marks the 12th anniversary of the conference. Workshops taught by experts, combined with hands-on learning, are the draw of this special event for writers. I’ve heard about this conference for years, but because of the expenses involved (travel + lodging + fee), I had constantly put off attending it. Due to the pandemic, though, a virtual conference emerged, so I was finally able to participate in two days of in-depth training provided by homicide investigators. There was so much information packed into such a short period of time that it would be impossible for me to summarize everything. I still have pages upon pages of notes to sort through! Nevertheless, I’ve decided to provide some broad sweeping facts as a taste of the invaluable information that’s provided during the event:
![steam clock face](https://i0.wp.com/jenniferjchow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/clock-face.jpg?resize=768%2C1024)
Time of death
- It’s not possible to determine the exact time, but only a time range
- There’s reliance on forensic entomology (go, bugs!) to determine the timing
- Three mortises can appear after death: rigor mortis (stiffening of body); livor mortis (settling of blood); and algor mortis (cooling of body)
Evidence and Rights
- Fourth Amendment rights/ an expectation of privacy exists for citizens, so a formal process must be undertaken (e.g. warrant) before a search or seizure of property
- Levels of evidence can span from nothing to suspicion to probable cause (leading to an arrest or warrant) to beyond a reasonable doubt (this evidence can also include confessions)
- A key difference between a subpoena and a warrant is that a subpoena concerns data and documents
- Technology evidence and information must also take into account privacy concerns (think: search warrant); everything techie from cell phones to computers to Bluetooth devices fit into this category
![fingerprint ridges](https://i0.wp.com/jenniferjchow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fingerprint_ID.jpg?resize=768%2C1024)
Methods of evidence identification
- Not only are there latent fingerprint examiners but there are also footwear examiners
- Shoe identification involves uncovering the pattern, size, wear, and random individual characteristics displayed in footwear
- Databases are available for identifying footwear, fingerprints, and DNA
I was so grateful for a chance to listen to experts, better understand investigative processes, and hear about real-life cases!
That’s wonderful and so informative! :)
Thanks, Kathy! Glad you found it interesting!