Andrew Needham, FTEE Jackson Laboratory Jackson, MS 39205 601-987-XXXX (FAX 601-987-XXXX)
Analysis: Serology; Tool Mark Examination; Trace Evidence Analysis
Case #: 000989-22B-2020
Case Description: Laurie Daniels homicide investigation
Investigative Agency: Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department
Investigating Officer(s): Det. S. Murphy, Det. T. Armstrong
Summary of Preliminary Evidence Analysis
Tool Marks
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 Walmart.
No distinguishing individual characteristics of the blade were noted.
Figure 1
Click to enlarge
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.
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.
This comment was minimized by the moderator on the site
Laurie was tied up so she must have been awake when all the bad stuff went on. Poor girl.
We need to know where the maroon carpet is and if it's in a house or an automobile.
She must have put up a fight before being tied up because of the...
Laurie was tied up so she must have been awake when all the bad stuff went on. Poor girl.
We need to know where the maroon carpet is and if it's in a house or an automobile.
She must have put up a fight before being tied up because of the biological material under her fingernails.
This comment was minimized by the moderator on the site
does it show a picture of the carpet looks like you can buy Antron fibers for fly fishing . would also be nice to know where all there people are from if they are close to the area and maybe what the last person on the call list was to her....
does it show a picture of the carpet looks like you can buy Antron fibers for fly fishing . would also be nice to know where all there people are from if they are close to the area and maybe what the last person on the call list was to her. haven't looked at all yet but so far I'm thinking Forest or dr yeah yeah but really think dr yeah yeah is probably dead to and body hidden better and the egg was planted to frame dr yeah yeah both the girls probably fell into some group