Forensics: Crime Scene Detective – Misfire & Misdirection

Misfire & Misdirection Evidence Overview

Evidence given at start:
Fingerprint (Holger Krueger)
Fingerprint (Volker Steinmann)

Photos and Evidence at the Crime Scene:
4x Fingerprint (Unknown)
Projectile Caliber 9 mm, lead
Trajectory Living Room
Firearm Pistol Gastl Armory GA-20C

Web of Evidence Whiteboard Overview

Evidence to send:
Fingerprint Analysis
Projectile Analysis

Briefing

A firearm was discharged inside an apartment following a night of drinking between two individuals, Holger Krueger and Volker Steinmann. No injuries were reported, and both claim it was an accident. Their statements align on key details, but minor inconsistencies suggest further scrutiny is needed. Physical evidence from the scene must be analyzed to determine whether their version of events holds up.

Witness Statement Holger Krueger:
Holger states that he and Volker met at a bar called “Fuchsbau” shortly before midnight and later continued drinking at his apartment. He recalls showing Volker his firearm at some point during the night while sitting on the sofa in the living room. The weapon accidentally discharged. The projectile struck near the entrance door.

Witness Statement Volker Steinmann:
Volker confirms that he and Holger left the bar around midnight and went to Holger’s apartment to continue drinking. He claims he only entered the living room and bathroom. He says Holger showed him a firearm, which discharged by accident.

Travel to the Crime Scene

The crime scene is an apartment. All three evidence cases are present.

First grab the UV-light and look for four fingerprints. There is one on the table, one on the bedside table in the bedroom, the third is on the drawer unit in the bedroom, and the fourth on the bathroom sink. Use the evidence markers and take photographs.

Use the fingerprint kit to collect the fingerprints.

Evidence:
4x Fingerprint (Unknown)

The bullet hole is right by the entrance. Use an evidence marker and take the photograph. You can then remove the projectile.

Evidence:
Projectile Caliber 9 mm, lead

Take the Trajectory Rod and place it into the hole. Then grab the camera tripod and place it in the kitchen. Align the viewpoint of the camera, so you can see the trajectory rod and the laser line. Then start exposure, run for the spray can and spray the laser line. Return the spray can, tripod and the trajectory rod.

Evidence:
Trajectory Living Room

The gun is on the coffee table in front of the TV. Use an evidence marker and take the photograph. You can then take the gun.

Evidence:
Firearm Pistol Gastl Armory GA-20C

Analyzing the Evidence

Back in the Lab read the email. Trajectory analysis suggests that the shot was fired from the bedroom and not from the sofa area. Then, use the the Reference Projectiles station first. Place the Firearm from the crime scene (Firearm Pistol Gastl Armory GA-20C). Shoot and remove the bullet from the tank.

Evidence:
Projectile Caliber 9 mm, Lead

Compare the two projectiles in your evidence folder at the Projectile Comparison Workstation. They match at 350, 298. Export your result and pick up the folder next to the workstation.

Go to the Fingerprint Analysis station to compare the four misfingerprints with both Holger Krueger and Volker Steinmann.

Send all evidence off by email. I closed the case here. The report at the end stated that I was still missing a fingerprint, but all the photos were collected? Given the fact that all fingerprints need a crime scene photo I would be missing a photo as well? The only possible item would be the gun with a fingerprint on it but it can’t be put into the Cyanoacrylate Fuming chamber. Will update in case something changes.