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Because evidence from this case was recovered in multiple counties,
analysis is being conducted by the Mississippi State Crime
Laboratory. The following is a summary of preliminary results
provided by the State Crime Lab.
Examination of severed body parts
1) Tool marks
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Figure 1
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- Examination of
tool marks on the bones and cartilage of severed limbs by
microscopic analysis under oblique lighting indicated that the tool used
to dismember the body was a hacksaw.
- By measuring
the holes in the bones and cartilage, it was determined
that the hacksaw blade was 18 teeth per inch, as
indicated in Figure 1.
- The hacksaw and blades can be
purchased at any local hardware store or Wal-Mart.
- No
distinguishing individual characteristics of the blade
were noted.
2) Fingernail scrapings
- Microscopic evaluation of material from underneath the fingernails revealed
soil, bark residue, fibers and biological material.
- Soil Analysis
- The same type of soil was found under the fingernails from both hands,
which indicates it may have been deposited before the body was
dismembered.
- The soil found under the fingernails was
inconsistent in mineral and rock composition to any of the soils samples collected
from the two crime scene locations in Taylor, MS, the crime scene in Toccopola, MS
(Pontotoc County), the crime scene in Batesville, MS, (Panola County) and the crime scene
in Bruce, MS, (Calhoun County).
- A significant amount of fungal spores consistent origination
in a dark, damp area were present in the soil samples from under
the victim's fingernails.
- Bark Analysis
- The bark recovered from under the fingernails was compared to the bark samples provided
from the vandalism crime scene in Taylor, MS. Both samples were found to be
Pinus taeda (Loblolly pine).
- Fiber Analysis
- Examination of fibers recovered from under the fingernails
found they were consistent with maroon nylon
carpet fibers known as "Antron."
- Biological Material Analysis
- DNA analysis of biological material recovered from under the
fingernails is currently in progress. Results are pending.
3) Ligature Marks
- Close examination of the
wrists of both arms revealed ligature marks consistent with the victim being
bound antemortem.
- Examination of the
features of the marks indicated the ligature was likely a rope of
undetermined composition with a diameter of approximately 1 cm.
Trace Evidence
- Fibers were recovered from the bark
collected at vandalism crime scene in Taylor, MS. They were identified as
a mixture of red, white and blue cotton
fibers.
- Traces of sawdust were discovered imbedded within the ball of
wax.
- The wooden crate recovered from the vandalism crime scene in Taylor, MS:
- The crate was made of pine.
- The crate was partially burned and was tied with an ordinary
rope, which was also incompletely burned.
- No writing was
seen on the crate.
- Found inside the crate was one
partially burned 37-cent postage stamp.
Fingerprints
- No fingerprints were found on any surfaces submitted
to the crime lab.
Chemistry
- Chemical analysis of the content
of the bucket showed the presence of
trichloro-s-triazinetrione, the major ingredient in
"Aquachem", a chlorine product for pools available at a variety of
retail locations including the Wal-Mart at 2530 Jackson Avenue West in
Oxford.
- Analysis of the wax comprising the wax ball found at the
vandalism scene in Taylor, MS, showed that it
was composed of ordinary paraffin available at any craft
or hobby store.
Forensic Document Examination
- Analysis of the note
extracted from the wax ball revealed that both the pen
and paper used were common, easily available items.
- No
fingerprints were found on the note.
Miscellaneous
- Cuts on the chicken recovered from the vandalism scene in
Taylor, MS, were made with an instrument with a
smooth blade.
- The injuries
were postmortem.
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