Episode 230 | Just Autopsy Results and Crime Scene Reconstruction

Original Release Date: November 25, 2022

In episode one of our Case Studies: Part 2 mini season, Just Science sat down with Kelly Ayers, an International Association for Identification certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst, to discuss how preliminary autopsy results can help investigators piece together a story of what happened at a crime scene.

For crime scene investigators, preliminary autopsy results issued by forensic pathologists and medical examiners can be used in conjunction with other disciplines, such as bloodstain pattern analysis, to provide pivotal information about a case. For example, medical information about the injuries a victim sustained may help investigators determine the weapon that was used, or the sequence of events that occurred within the scene. Listen along as Kelly discusses how preliminary autopsy results may be used to alleviate unnecessary laboratory testing, add case context that can be used in court, and offers advice on effective communication while working a scene.

This episode of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award #: 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).

Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Science · Just Autopsy Results And Crime Scene Reconstruction

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Episode Citation

McKay, J., & Ayers, K. (2022, November 25). Just Science. Just Autopsy Results and Crime Scene Reconstruction. [Audio podcast episode]. The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence. https://forensiccoe.org/podcast-2022-case-studies-part2-ep1/

Related Resources

Guest Biography

Kelly Ayers, MLS, M.S., CSCSA, has been involved with crime scene investigation work for over twenty years. First, as a civilian crime scene investigator and then as a continuing education and academic instructor. Kelly has an undergraduate degree with a double major in Philosophy and Biology and was the first graduate of the West Virginia University Forensic Identification Program in 2001. She was awarded a Master of Science degree in Forensic Science Administration and a Master of Legal Studies. Kelly is an International Association for Identification (IAI) Certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst, has an appointment as the Division Representative for the International Association for Identification, serves on the editorial committee of the IAI’s publication IDNews, serves on the IAI’s Student Advocacy Committee, and is a Past President of the Chesapeake Bay Division of the IAI. She also is an affiliate member of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC) Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction Subcommittee as part of the evidence collection and preservation task group and crime scene process map working group.

Episode 230 | Just Autopsy Results and Crime Scene Reconstruction

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