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Evidence: Summary of Preliminary Forensic Analysis Findings

YOKNAPATAWPHA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

    Investigating Officer(s): Det. S. Murphy, Det. T. Armstrong
    Incident No.: 002917-04J-2008
    Case Description: Det. Charles Tatum Homicide

Analysis of Autopsy Findings

  • Paraffin test of victim's left hand was positive.
  • Paraffin test of victim's right hand was positive.
  • Swabs of penis and scrotum were positive for vaginal residue.

Analysis of SIG Sauer P226 handgun (Evidence # 002904-01)

  • Serial number on the weapon matches the serial number of the weapon issued to Detective Charles Tatum by the Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department.
  • Fourteen (14) rounds were found in the weapon, which holds a 15-round clip.
  • The spent 9mm casing recovered at the scene (Evidence # 002904-02) is consistent with the 14 rounds found in the weapon.
  • Traces of lubricating oil were observed on the outside of the weapon, typically seen following a recent cleaning.
  • Following removal of the rubber grips, a line of recently applied oil is visible, consistent with conditions observed following a recent cleaning.
  • The barrel of the weapon is mirror clean with faint traces of carbon observed, consistent with a single shot being fired following a recent cleaning.
  • The bullet recovered during autopsy is a ballistic match to this weapon.

Trace Evidence

Fingerprints

SIG Sauer P226 handgun (Evidence # 002904-01)

  • Fingerprints consistent with Charles Tatum were observed and have been excluded.
  • Unidentified fingerprints were observed on the grip of the weapon.
  • Unidentified fingerprints were observed on the grip and slide of the weapon.

Spent 9mm casing (Evidence # 002904-02)

  • Fingerprints consistent with Charles Tatum were observed and have been excluded.

Entry door

  • Fingerprints consistent with Charles Tatum were observed and have been excluded.
  • Fingerprints consistent with Marion Sanders were observed and have been excluded.
  • Unidentified fingerprints were observed on inside edge of the entry door.

Matchbook (Evidence # 002904-15-02)

  • Fingerprints consistent with Charles Tatum were observed and have been excluded.
  • Unidentified fingerprints were observed on the outside of the matchbook.

Hairs

  • 1-inch brown hairs consistent with Charles Tatum were collected and have been excluded.
  • 3-inch silver hairs consistent with Marion Sanders were collected and have been excluded.
  • 4-inch brown unidentified hairs were collected from the living room, bedroom and bathroom.