CERES :: Browsing by Author "Errickson, David"

Browsing by Author "Errickson, David"

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Open Access
Assessing the quality of footwear marks recovered from simulated graves
(Elsevier, 2020-07-29) Stephens, Madeleine; Errickson, David; Giles, Stephanie B.; Ringrose, Trevor J.
Footwear marks are one of the most frequently encountered evidence types recovered from a crime scene and can provide valuable scene intelligence regarding potential suspects. It has been acknowledged that impressions of footwear and tools can be recovered from graves, but previous studies have only focused on tool mark recovery. This has led to a lack of published information regarding footwear mark recovery from graves. It is therefore important to demonstrate whether the recovery of footwear marks is feasible and, if so, under what conditions this can be achieved. To address recovery, this study, placed 60 three dimensional (3D) impressions of footwear marks within 60 simulated graves. This was done to assess time (1, 2, 4 months) and at known depths (20, 30, 40 cm). The footwear marks within the graves were covered with clothing or left uncovered. The shoe’s design patterns were grouped and counted in a photographic comparison between the 3D footwear impressions, placed within the test-pits, and any recovered impressions. A grading system was adapted by the authors to score the quality of footwear impressions observed during recovery. The results demonstrate that the preservation and recovery of footwear impressions from graves is feasible. The simulated graves covered with clothing showed better preservation of footwear impressions, but there was no clear evidence that time or depth had an effect. The authors note that careful consideration and vigilant excavation skills are needed when excavating graves which may bear potential footwear marks, as their recovery will lead to an increased amount of intelligence that can link suspects to homicide scenes.
Open Access
The CSI effect(s no one?)
(Elsevier, 2019-06-04) Errickson, David; Giles, Stephanie; Horsman, Graeme
Open Access
Decomposition variability between the scene and autopsy examination and implications for post-mortem interval estimations
(Elsevier, 2021-11-24) Giles, Stephanie B.; Errickson, David; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas
Forensic experts rely on scene and/or autopsy photographs to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI) when an in-situ assessment of decomposition is unfeasible. The degree of decomposition may vary between the scene and autopsy, which importantly could affect estimations of the unknown PMI in forensic casework. This study aimed to investigate decomposition variability between the scene and autopsy and assess the subsequent effect on the accuracy of PMI estimations. Scene and autopsy photographs from 94 cases with known PMI were used from the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner in Pittsburgh, United States. The total decomposition scoring (TDS) method measured the overall decomposition level, and 28 markers of decomposition were recorded as a percentage of the total body surface area (TBSA). In 60% of cases the TDS had increased at autopsy causing significant overestimations of the autopsy PMI and 86% of decomposition markers varied between the scene and autopsy. Decomposition progressed during mortuary time lags (MTL) of 3–44 h, where bodies were stored in a pre-autopsy refrigerator at 4 °C, suggesting that refrigeration may not always delay decomposition. This research also assisted in validating photographs as a proxy for real-time decomposition assessments. While the autopsy photographs conferred higher quality than the scene photographs, the scene photographs produced more accurate PMI estimations. Forensic experts should exhibit caution when estimating the PMI from autopsy photographs alone, as they may not accurately reflect scene decomposition. To prevent misinterpretation of the PMI estimation, both scene and autopsy photographs should always be requested.
Open Access
The effect of different imaging techniques for the visualisation of evidence in court on jury comprehension
(Springer, 2019-12-06) Errickson, David; Fawcett, H.; Thompson, T. J. U.; Campbell, A.
Evidence presented within a courtroom should be clear so that the members of the jury can understand it. The presentation of distressing images, such as human remains, can have a negative effect on the jury since photographic images may evoke emotional responses. Therefore, it is important to understand how other visual mediums may improve comprehension, bias, or distress individuals. For this study, 91 individuals were randomly assigned one of three visual evidence formats in a mock courtroom exercise. These included photographs, 3D visualisations, or a 3D printed model. The results show that the use of 3D imaging improves the juror’s understanding of technical language used within a courtroom, which in turn better informs the juror’s in their decision making.
Open Access
The effect of seasonality on the application of accumulated degree-days to estimate the early post-mortem interval
(Elsevier, 2020-08-01) Giles, Stephanie B.; Harrison, Karl; Errickson, David; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas
This study investigated the effect of seasonal variables on decomposition in the early post-mortem period using 26 donated human cadavers at the University of Tennessee’s Anthropology Research Facility (ARF), USA. The rate and pattern of decomposition in human cadavers (as measured by TBS and the revised TBSsurf methods) did not vary significantly between all seasons. Summer and autumn cadavers had comparable rates of accelerated decomposition despite significant differences in both ADD and temperature (p<0.05). Spring cadavers had the slowest onset of decomposition characteristics, even compared to the few decomposition characteristics expressed in winter. Seasonal variation in humidity, rather than temperature, may be the overarching driving force for decomposition progression in the early post-mortem period. Both TBS and TBSsurf methods were poor predictors of the PMI (R²=0.4) and significantly over-estimated the PMI across all seasons, although to a lesser extent in spring. This study also demonstrated no relationship between known ADD and TBS/TBSsurf (R²=0.025). TBS and TBSsurf are ADD-based PMI estimation models that cannot be validated under experimental conditions. Accounting for seasonal expression of individual decomposition characteristics is needed for improvement of PMI predictability in forensic practice
Open Access
Evaluation of porcine decomposition and total body score (TBS) in a central European temperate forest
(Wiley, 2024-02-26) Indra, Lara; Giles, Stephanie; Alfsdotter, Clara; Errickson, David; Lösch, Sandra
The total body score (TBS) is a visual scoring method to scale the succession of decomposition stages. It compares decomposition between cadavers, to connect it with external taphonomic factors and estimate the post-mortem interval. To study decomposition in various climatic environments, pigs are often used as human proxies. Currently, there is one TBS system by Keough et al. (J Forensic Sci. 2017;62:986) for surface-deposited domestic pigs, coming from South Africa. Our study aims to evaluate this method and analyze porcine decomposition in Central Europe to inform forensic research and casework. We conducted an experiment studying six 50 kg pig carcasses in a temperate Swiss forest. Three observers documented decomposition patterns and rated the decomposition stages from photographs based on the porcine TBS model by Keough et al. (J Forensic Sci. 2017;62:986). We documented discrepancies between the carcass decomposition of our specimens and those in the South African study, especially related to the high insect activity in our experiment. Furthermore, we noted factors complicating TBS scoring, including rainfall and scavengers. The agreement between TBS observers from photographs was in the highest agreement category apart from one “substantial agreement” category. Our study is the first in Europe to systematically test the Keough et al. (J Forensic Sci. 2017;62:986) method. The results evidence that regional adaptations are required to be applicable for other environments. We present a modified approach based on experimental observations in a Swiss temperate forest. The identification of regional decomposition patterns and drivers will inform future taphonomy research as well as forensic casework in comparable contexts in Central Europe.
Open Access
Final thoughts on WWI and WWII legislation, recovery, identification and burial of human remains: best practice, challenges, and recommendations
(Elsevier, 2021-03-19) Márquez-Grant, Nicholas; Errickson, David; Morgan, Sarah; Ronner, Eva; Giles, Stephanie B.
The ‘WWI and WWII Symposium: Legislation, Recovery, Identification and Burial of Human Remains’, took place on 13th March 2020 (Márquez-Grant and Errickson, 2021). The event was in the form of a round table discussion with participating specialists who focus on the forensic recovery and identification of war casualties, particularly with a focus on Europe. Although the event saw a large amount of knowledge exchange, the discussion went far beyond those who attended the session. As a result, this Special Issue in ‘Forensic Science International’ is aimed at disseminating the discussion to a wider number of individuals while incorporating further views and input from specialists who could not be in attendance on the day.
Open Access
Forensic experiments on animal scavenging: A systematic literature review on what we have and what we need
(Elsevier, 2023-11-04) Indra, Lara; Lösch, Sandra; Errickson, David; Finaughty, Devin
Vertebrate scavengers frequently affect forensic casework by feeding on human remains or by scattering body parts and bones. Therefore, animal activity can influence complete recovery of bodies, trauma analysis, and the estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI), potentially hampering identification of the deceased and elucidation of the perimortem circumstances. Experimental research is well suited to investigate scavengers and their impact on carcasses over time, generating knowledge on the forensic relevance of certain scavenger species or communities. However, there are currently no systematised standards to conduct these investigations with a forensic focus, impeding comparison and synthesis of the studies. In our work, we performed a systematic literature review and found 79 publications featuring terrestrial experiments on vertebrate scavenging and/or scattering within a forensic context. We extracted 21 variables describing the study environment, experimental design and the specimens. The results show that there is considerable inconsistency in the study designs and that some of the variables are insufficiently reported. We point out research questions and areas that require attention in future studies, stressing the importance of infrequently mentioned or applied variables. Furthermore, we recommend guidelines to include and report a list of variables in forensic scavenging and scattering experiments. These guidelines will help standardising future research in the field, facilitating inter-study consolidation of results and conclusions, and consequently, inform forensic casework.
Open Access
Guidance for the identification of bony lesions related to smallpox
(Elsevier, 2023-12-30) Crawford, Rosie R.; Hodson, Claire M.; Errickson, David
Objective: This research aimed to address the underrepresentation of smallpox (osteomyelitis variolosa) in palaeopathology, providing a synthesis of published literature and presenting guidance for the identification of osteomyelitis variolosa in non-adult and adult skeletal remains. Materials and methods: Literature regarding smallpox and published reports of individuals with osteomyelitis variolosa were synthesised and critiqued to produce clear diagnostic criteria for the identification of smallpox osteologically. Results: Associated osteological changes begin in non-adults, where skeletal morphology is rapidly changing. Characteristic lesions associated with non-adult osteomyelitis variolosa include inflammation and destructive remodelling of long-bone joints and metaphyses. Where childhood infection was survived, residual osteomyelitis variolosa lesions should also be visible in adults in the osteoarchaeological record. Conclusions: Despite long-term clinical recognition, only limited osteological and archaeological evidence of osteomyelitis variolosa has yet emerged. With improved diagnostic criteria, osteomyelitis variolosa may be more frequently identified. Significance: This is the first synthesis of osteomyelitis variolosa encompassing both clinical and palaeopathological literature, providing detailed guidance for the identification of osteomyelitis variolosa in skeletal remains. It will lead to the increased identification of smallpox osteologically. Limitations: Differential diagnoses should always be considered. The archaeological longevity of smallpox, and the potential for archaeological VARV to cause clinically recognised smallpox, is currently unknown. Characteristic bone changes in the archaeological record may be other, extinct human-infecting-orthopoxviruses. Suggestions for further research: Further consideration of the implications of age of smallpox contraction on bony pathology: whether epiphyses are affected differently due to state of fusion. Reassessment of individuals previously identified with smallpox-consistent lesions, but otherwise diagnosed.
Open Access
Identifying blast trauma in the human skeleton: applications for forensic anthropology
(Archaeopress, 2021-05-06) Márquez-Grant, Nicholas; Webster, Hannah; Dussault, Marie-Christine; Harris, Michael; Roberts, Julie; Errickson, David; Sanabria Medina, César
Trauma analysis is an integral part of the forensic anthropologist’s role in the study of skeletonized human remains. An increasingly common type of injury, however, remains vastly unexplored in the anthropological literature: blast injury. This chapter aims to provide more information on how blast injury can present in the human skeleton, offering the beginning of a guide for anthropologists looking to identify this type of trauma. The study was done by reviewing publications that detail trauma observed in victims of explosive incidents and extracting data on skeletal trauma from a forensic anthropology perspective by calculating the prevalence of these injuries. Overall, the effects of blast were noted to affect nearly every part of the skeleton when the data was reviewed in combination.
Open Access
Imaging in forensic science: Five years on
(2019-01-09) Carew, Rachael M.; Errickson, David
The Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging was launched in 2013 with the aim to collate the literature and demonstrate high-quality case studies on image-based modalities across the forensic sciences. Largely, the focus of this journal has been on the transmissive aspect of forensic imaging, and therefore a significant number of high-quality case studies have been published focusing on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. As a result, the ‘and imaging’ aspect is often neglected. Since 2013, technology has fundamentally evolved, and a number of new techniques have become accessible or have been demonstrated as particularly useful within many sub-disciplines of forensic science. These include active and passive surface scanning techniques, and the availability of three-dimensional printing. Therefore, this article discusses non-contact techniques, their applications, advantages, and considerations on the current state of play of imaging in forensic science.
Open Access
An investigation into the variability of ABS 3D printing filaments due to differing dye colourants used by manufacturers
(2019-12) Wright, Gary; Shackel, James; Errickson, David; Painter, Jonathan
Despite advances in polymer filaments available for 3D printing, ABS remains an attractive polymer for use because of its versatility, good mechanical properties and cost effectiveness. Personal experience has highlighted variability between manufacturer’s ranges and even occasionally between the colours within those ranges. This variability seems to affect the quality of print and level of success achieved. In this study, analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), RAMAN spectroscopy, and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, as well as mechanical tensile testing and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging, were used to compare and contrast selected colours from 3 different manufacturer’s ranges. This allowed comparison by chemical composition, physical properties such as glass transition temperature and by mechanical performance. Differences were found in their chemical composition, base polymer properties and their mechanical performance and some of this data did not match the information supplied by the manufacturers. A large analytical comparative study such as this lends itself to becoming quite complex, and this was reinforced by the practical difficulties encountered during the work which limited the conclusions that could be drawn. Significant variability was found between the manufacturer’s ranges themselves, and in some instances by colours within ranges. These differences were evident by way of DSC and DMA responses for glass transitions, compositions shown by FTIR and crystallinity from XRD, and occasionally also large statistically significant variability in mechanical tensile properties. Despite these findings, and practical experience implying otherwise, there was no conclusive link found that the variability of colour of the filament is responsible for the variability of print quality. Indeed, the variability between the base polymer i blends comparing each of the manufacturer’s ranges was found to be higher than that between the colours within the ranges themselves.
Open Access
The legislation, search, recovery, identification and repatriation of conflict casualties worldwide: Introducing the WWI and WWII Special Issue
(Elsevier, 2021-01-30) Márquez-Grant, Nicholas; Errickson, David
Conflict casualties refer to those individuals who are lost due to military conflict or war. The involvement of forensic archaeologists and anthropologists in the legal search, recovery, documentation, identification, and repatriation/reburial of conflict casualties is well known. Internationally, there are a number of professional organisations who ethically recover and identify these individuals. However, at the same time, some organisations and individuals have raised significant concerns about working in other countries, understanding specific laws and protocols, and how the whole recovery and identification process should be undertaken. Through this special issue, Forensic Science International is interested in promoting these investigative good-practice procedures, illustrated with case studies, and ethical and legal considerations when undertaking and disseminating these humanitarian missions to the wider forensic community. This Special Issue focuses primarily on the First and Second World Wars, yet other conflicts are covered, and includes the views and perspectives from different organisations within specific countries in the format of original papers, commentaries, and case reports. Specifically, these papers include the legislative regulations, information regarding the authorities to be consulted on and who deal with human remains, the organisations and professionals who are involved with the recovery and analysis of human remains, the process of identification, and how this information is disseminated to the public.
Open Access
Mapping an archaeological site: Interpreting portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) soil analysis at Boroughgate, Skelton, UK
(Elsevier, 2021-07-14) Williams, Rhys; Errickson, David; Taylor, Gillian
Integrating chemical soil analysis with visual inspection of an archaeological excavation may enhance our knowledge of anthropogenic activities from past populations. Elemental distribution of excavated soil from a medieval longhouse at Boroughgate, Skelton, UK was investigated. Soil was extracted from the surface of a longhouse and nearby ditch, analysed using portable X-Ray fluorescence (pXRF), and data were processed into elemental heat maps. The distribution and archaeological associations of magnesium, aluminium, phosphorus, sulphur, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron and zinc were assessed. Elemental concentrations were combined to produce a simplified summary that aided the interpretation of the site, including the delimitation of internal and external zones, clean and refuse zones, and potential animal occupation or waste areas. The application of pXRF was successful at visualising elemental distribution of an excavation to explore the anthropogenic associations through interpretation heat maps.
Open Access
An overview of 3D printing in forensic science: the tangible third-dimension
(Wiley, 2020-05-13) Carew, Rachael M.; Errickson, David
There has been a rapid development and utilization of three‐dimensional (3D) printing technologies in engineering, health care, and dentistry. Like many technologies in overlapping disciplines, these techniques have proved to be useful and hence incorporated into the forensic sciences. Therefore, this paper describes how the potential of using 3D printing is being recognized within the various sub‐disciplines of forensic science and suggests areas for future applications. For instance, the application can create a permanent record of an object or scene that can be used as demonstrative evidence, preserving the integrity of the actual object or scene. Likewise, 3D printing can help with the visualization of evidential spatial relationships within a scene and increase the understanding of complex terminology within a courtroom. However, while the application of 3D printing to forensic science is beneficial, currently there is limited research demonstrated in the literature and a lack of reporting skewing the visibility of the applications. Therefore, this article highlights the need to create good practice for 3D printing across the forensic science process, the need to develop accurate and admissible 3D printed models while exploring the techniques, accuracy and bias within the courtroom, and calls for the alignment of future research and agendas perhaps in the form of a specialist working group.
Open Access
A retrospective comparative study to evaluate the reliability of post-mortem interval sources in UK and US medico-legal death investigations
(Elsevier, 2022-02-09) Giles, Stephanie B.; Errickson, David; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas
Post-mortem interval (PMI) information sources may be subject to varying degrees of reliability that could impact the level of confidence associated with PMI estimations in forensic taphonomy research and in the practice of medico-legal death investigation. This study aimed to assess the reliability of PMI information sources in a retrospective comparative analysis of 1813 cases of decomposition from the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner in Pittsburgh, US (n=1714), and the Crime Scene Investigation department at Southwest Forensics in the UK (n=99). PMI information sources were subjected to a two-stage evaluation using an adapted version of the 3x5 aspects of the UK police National Intelligence Model (NIM) to determine the confidence level associated with each source. Normal distribution plots were created to show the distribution frequency of the dependent variables (decomposition stage and source evaluation) by the independent variable of PMI. The manner, location, and season of death were recorded to ascertain if these variables influenced the reliability of the PMI. A confidence matrix was then created to assess the overall reliability and provenance of each PMI information source. Reliable PMI sources (including forensic specialists, missing persons reports, and digital evidence) were used across extensive PMI ranges (1 to 2920 days in the US, and 1 to 240 days in the UK) but conferred a low incidence of use with forensic specialists providing a PMI estimation in only 35% of all homicide cases. Medium confidence PMI sources (e.g., last known social contact) accounted for the majority of UK (54%, n=54) and US (82%, n=1413) cases and were associated with shorter PMIs and natural causes of death. Low confidence PMI sources represented the lowest frequencies of UK and US cases and exclusively comprised PMI information from scene evidence. In 96% of all cases, only one PMI source was reported, meaning PMI source corroboration was overall very low (4%). This research has important application for studies using police reports of PMI information to validate PMI estimation models, and in the practice of medico-legal death investigation where it is recommended that i) the identified reliable PMI sources are sought ii) untested or unreliable PMI sources are substantiated with corroborating PMI information, iii) all PMI sources are reported with an associated degree of confidence that encapsulates the uncertainty of the originating source.
Open Access
Solving the inverse problem of post-mortem interval estimation using Bayesian Belief Networks
(Elsevier, 2022-12-09) Giles, Stephanie; Errickson, David; Harrison, Karl; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas
Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs) can be applied to solve inverse problems such as the post-mortem interval (PMI) by a simple and logical graphical representation of conditional dependencies between multiple taphonomic variables and the observable decomposition effect. This study is the first cross-comparison retrospective study of human decomposition across three different geographical regions. To assess the effect of the most influential taphonomic variables on the decomposition rate (as measured by the Total Decomposition Score (TDS)), decomposition data was examined from the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility at the University of Tennessee (n = 312), the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner in Pittsburgh, US (n = 250), and the Crime Scene Investigation department at Southwest Forensics in the UK (n = 81). Two different BBNs for PMI estimations were created from the US and the UK training data. Sensitivity analysis was performed to identify the most influential parameters of TDS variance, with weaker variables (e.g., age, sex, clothing) being excluded during model refinement. The accuracy of the BBNs was then compared by additional validation cases: US (n = 28) and UK (n = 10). Both models conferred predictive power of the PMI and accounted for the unique combination of taphonomic variables affecting decomposition. Both models had a mean posterior probability of 86% (US) and 81% (UK) in favor of the experimental hypothesis (that the PMI was on, or less than, the prior last known alive date). Neither the US nor the UK datasets represented any cases below 'moderate' support for the value of PMI evidence. By applying coherent probabilistic reasoning to PMI estimations, one logical solution is provided to model the complexities of human decomposition that can quantify the combined effect of several uncertainties surrounding the PMI estimation. This approach communicates the PMI with an associated degree of confidence and provides predictive power on unknown PMI cases.
Open Access
A survey of case studies on the use of forensic three-dimensional printing in England and Wales
(Springer, 2022-08-08) Errickson, David; Carew, R. M.; Collings, A. J.; Biggs, M. J. P.; Haig, P.; O’Hora, H.; Marsh, N.; Roberts, J.
3D printing has rapidly developed and been applied in forensic science due to its use in creating demonstrations for courts of law. Much of the literature on this specific topic has focused on the use of 3D printed models in academia, the potential influence on a jury, and its use as a long-term documentation process, but with few actual forensic case examples. This paper offers an insight into the development of 3D printing in forensic practice and how 3D printing is currently being used in the criminal justice system in England and Wales. A series of case reports were gathered from multiple police forces and forensic practitioners in the UK to identify how 3D printing was being used. These discussions established who was requesting 3D printed exhibits, what type of technologies were being utilised, what type of exhibits were being printed, and resulting feedback for the use of 3D printed material within a criminal case. As a result, this research demonstrates the current use of 3D printing in England and Wales, discussing the associated cases that have been known to incorporate 3D prints. Likewise, this work explores the limitations that have been encountered by forensic practitioners and identifies a series of research questions that should be considered in future investigations.
Open Access
Uncovering forensic taphonomic agents: animal scavenging in the European context
(MDPI, 2022-04-15) Indra, Lara; Errickson, David; Young, Alexandria; Lösch, Sandra
Animal scavenging by vertebrates can significantly alter human bodies and their deposition site. For instance, vertebrate animals can cause postmortem modification to a body, alter perimortem trauma, influence decomposition rates, disarticulate and scatter body parts or evidence, and affect the identification of the deceased. Animal scavenging is a relatively common occurrence in forensic investigations. Even so, studies on the subject are scattered and rare, with most focussing on geographical areas outside of Europe. For that reason, we intend to collate the literature to provide an account of forensically relevant vertebrate scavengers in Europe, their impacts on human remains, and their implications for forensic investigations. Here, we provide an overview of forensic aspects where the knowledge of animal scavenging is crucial, as well as an account of potential scavengers of human remains in Europe and their typical alterations to soft tissue and, in particular, to bones. In addition, we are the first to provide a guide for forensic practitioners to identify the presence of vertebrate scavenging and subsequently inform outdoor search strategies for affected human remains.
Open Access
Use of different imaging techniques in stab wound analysis
(Elsevier, 2023-12-06) Bergman, Linnea; Brock, Fiona; Errickson, David
Stab wound analysis is a relatively new field of study in forensic science, and there is currently much debate regarding the effectiveness of the analysis due to a lack of validation studies. Furthermore, the underlying viewpoints on the success of stab wound analysis vary. Examination of cut marks, for example, can reveal a variety of characteristics which can be used to determine the type of weapon that was used to inflict them. However, published studies are not consistent when identifying knife blade characteristics, instead considering a wide variety of morphological aspects and their potential value in forensic scenarios. The existing research methodology is therefore inadequate to reliably inform in such contexts, and future experimental design should be influenced by the conditional variance in stabbings in order to provide reliable findings. The research presented here takes a systematic approach to the problem, compiling the published literature (up to September 2023) on the use of different imaging methods applied to stab wound examination to create a taxonomy to examine trends in methodological approaches in both research and investigative settings. This approach identified that published studies could be classified as either morphological or morphometrical, and further sub-classified based on their degree of success and the findings reached. This emphasises the importance of prioritising research into mark data, and the need for a multi-technique, multi-disciplinary approach. A decision tree was created to illustrate which mark attributes should be studied for which purpose, and using which imaging method(s). Furthermore, the research presented identifies two key areas in stab wound research which should be the focus of standardisation efforts, namely methodological procedures and mark characteristic collection. Knife markings are difficult to interpret, but further research and standardisation of kerf mark analysis, as highlighted here, will improve the efficiency and reliability of both forensic investigations and future experimental studies.