Toolmark identification of a mattock to a clod of soil from a grave.
At a recent bushland gravesite that contained a deceased male, a clod of soil displaying a striated toolmark was collected during the excavation of the grave. This clod was preserved, and the mark was cast using Mikrosil™. Shovels and a mattock, which had been discarded by the suspects, were subsequently found at another location. A toolmark comparison identified the hoe end of the mattock head as having produced the striated toolmark.
Clark
Michael D
MD
Ballistics Unit, Scientific Section, Forensic Services Branch, Queensland Police Service, 200 Roma Street, Brisbane, Qld 4000, Australia. clark.michaeld@police.qld.gov.au
D001315:Australia; D002048:Burial; D044707:Forensic Sciences / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008853:Microscopy; D010781:Photography; D012987:Soil
D012987:Soil