title: Investigation, science, and research partner to solve elderly woman's shocking homicide.
abstract: As the investigation and prosecution of sexual homicide cases becomes increasing complex, law enforcement agencies are utilizing alternative avenues of investigative assistance. In 2004, the Oakland County, Michigan Sheriff's Office was faced with the horrific sexual assault and murder of an elderly woman. Although familiar with violent crime, this extremely violent and unusual case motivated the police to enlist the help of forensic scientists and FBI violent crime researchers to assist their investigation. This partnership led to the successful investigation and prosecution of the offender and serves as a model for law enforcement agencies willing to consider using additional available resources in order to successfully resolve unusual and extraordinarily violent sexual crimes.
authors.affiliation: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Quantico, VA, USA.
authors.forename: Mark E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Safarik
authors.forename: David G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Wurtz
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D053604:Forensic Nursing; D006708:Homicide / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008824:Michigan; D011902:Rape / Q000523:psychology