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YOKNAPATAWPHA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
- Investigating Officer(s): Det. S. Murphy. Det. T. Armstrong
- Incident No.: 001547-30D-2001
- Case Description: Achim Michaelis Homicide
Biological Evidence Analysis
Trace evidence technicians swept for evidence in the University of Mississippi
pickup truck, license plate #UMS 013. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation
of samples revealed what may be algae and other organisms. These samples
were sent to scientists at the University of Mississippi Biological
Field Station where Phycologist, Miranda Hagg,, analyzed three swabs
taken from the truck bed and identified three types of cyanobacteria:
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Sample
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Photo
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Description
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% Occurrence
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Lyngbya sp.
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Cyanobacterium found commonly in older, established
freshwater lakes.
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Sample #1: 5%
Sample #2: 4%
Sample #3: 6%
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Oscillatoria chalybea
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Often cause blooms that produce the noxious substances
2-methyl isoborneol (MIB) and geosmin, compounds that are responsible
for causing an off-flavor in catfish. MIB and geosmin are often
described as smelling like "sweaty socks."
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Sample #1: 30%
Sample #2: 25%
Sample #3: 27%
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Microcystis aeruginosa
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Commonly found in lakes and ponds. In the spring,
large numbers floating on the water surface produce a blue-tinge.
Blooms of this cyanobacterium are also notorius for producing
a liver toxin that in large amount can kill fish and livestock.
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Sample #1: 45%
Sample #2: 46%
Sample #3: 42%
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Additional Samples and Preliminary Analysis
Diatoms were also found in the truck bed samples. Identification is
currently underway. If possible, polyamine analysis of the diatom silaffins
will be used to confirm the species.
Dr. Edward Grooms, a malcologist with the Biological field station,
analyzed samples taken from the floor of the driver’s side. An
immature freshwater mussel, Anodontoides radiatus, or the rayed
creekshell, was found in the floor sample as well as a sample taken
from the brake pedal. According to Dr. Grooms, this freshwater mussel
is commonly found in mud and sand and is reported to occur most often
in the Holly Springs National Forest relative to other areas in Mississippi.
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