Evidence analysis – Clear Springs

MISSISSIPPI CRIME LABORATORY

REPORT DATE: 3/18/2021

Andrew Needham, FTEE
Cynthia J. Markert, CLPE
Jackson Laboratory
Jackson, MS 39205
601-987-XXXX (FAX 601-987-XXXX)

Analysis: Trace Evidence Examination

Case #: 001183-16C-2021

Case Description: Human remains found

Investigative Agency: Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department

Investigating Officer(s): Det. P. Beckwith, Det. J. Magee

 

Summary of Preliminary Evidence Analysis

 

Evidence collected at Clear Springs Nature Trail

Evidence # and Description

Findings

001183-CS01: One (1) cylinder head, S/N 001183X

  • Found strapped to the exterior of the tarp wrapped around the human remains, apparently in an attempt to weigh down the tarp-wrapped bundle.
  • Identified as a cylinder head off a late 1960s Chrysler 383 V8 engine.
  • Soil samples collected from inside the cylinder head are consistent with soil samples collected from the human remains recovery site.

001183-CS02 through 001183-CS05: Four (4) ratchet tie-down straps, blue

  • Four OHUHU™ brand ratchet tie-down straps, blue, 500-lb load capacity, removed from tarp exterior.
  • Two straps (001183-CS02 and 001183-CS03) used to secure the tarp around the human remains
  • Two straps (001183-CS04 and 001183-CS05) used to attach the cylinder head to the middle of the tarp-wrapped bundle's long side.

001183-CS06: One (1) FRITOS™ corn chip snack bag, 1 ounce, empty

  • No fingerprints recovered from the snack bag.
  • No blood or viable DNA recovered from the snack bag.
  • Residual material on the exterior of the snack bag is chemically identical to water and soil samples taken at the human remains recovery site.
  • Evidence recovered to date does not establish a connection between the snack bag and the human remains.

001183-CS07: One (1) KLARBRUNN™ drinking water bottle, plastic, 20 fluid ounces, ¾ filled with brownish water

  • No fingerprints recovered from the bottle.
  • No blood or viable DNA recovered from the bottle.
  • Organic material recovered from inside the bottle determined to be the result of insect activity and trapped plant material.
  • Water recovered from inside the bottle is chemically identical to water sample taken at the human remains recovery site.
  • Evidence recovered to date does not establish a connection between the bottle and the human remains.

001183-CS08: One (1) LEATHERMAN™ pocket knife/multitool

  • Model Juice B2, cinnabar orange
  • Tool contains two separate blades, one straight-edge and one serrated.
  • No fingerprints recovered from the tool.
  • No blood or viable DNA recovered from the tool, its blades, or in its hinges.
  • Evidence recovered to date does not establish a connection between the multitool and the human remains.

 

Evidence received from the Yoknapatawpha County Coroner's Office

Evidence # and Description

Findings

001183-AA01: One (1) OUTAD™ brand camping tarp, green, 71 inches x 87 inches

  • This type of tarp is traditionally used as a tent footprint.
  • Short edges of the tarp are tattered, likely due to water degradation.
  • Tarp shows damage due to postmortem animal activity. The three (3) largest holes measure 8 inches x 3 inches, 6 inches x 4 ½ inches, 3 inches x 4 inches.
  • Portions of the tarp in direct contact with the body show decompositional deposits.

001183-AA02: One (1) APT9™ brand short-sleeve t-shirt, black, size men’s small

  • Recovered from the body of the deceased.
  • Sleeves tattered, likely by postmortem aquatic animal activity.
  • Shirt stained with water and soil consistent with samples from the human remains recovery site and decompositional fluids.
  • Staining is greater at the collar than the torso, indicating bloodstains may have been present at the collar area prior to the tarp-wrapped human remains entering the water.

001183-AA03: One (1) pair of LEE™ brand demin jeans, blue, size men’s 30 x 28

  • Recovered from the body of the deceased.
  • Left pant leg is torn from the bottom hem to the mid-calf.
  • Jeans are stained with water and soil consistent with samples from the human remains recovery site and decompositional fluids.

001183-AA04: One (1) pair of HANES™ brand boxer briefs, gray, size men’s small

  • Recovered from the body of the deceased.
  • Underwear is stained with water and soil consistent with samples from the human remains recovery site and decompositional fluids.

001183-AA05-06: Two (2) HANES™ brand classic crew socks, white

  • Recovered from the body of the deceased.
  • Socks are stained with water and soil consistent with samples from the human remains recovery site and decompositional fluids.

001183-AA07 through 001183-AA08: Two (2) SKECHERS™ men’s Energy Afterburn lace-up sneakers, black

  • 001183-AA07 left shoe
  • 001183-AA08 right shoe
  • Recovered from the body of the deceased.
  • Exterior surfaces are smeared and stained with water and soil consistent with samples from the human remains recovery site.
  • The interiors of both shoes are stained with decompositional fluids and sediment consistent with soil samples from the human remains recovery site.

 

 


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