Identification from knuckle creases/backs of hands

[susand809]

Hi Everyone,

I am inquiring whether anyone has made identifications using the knuckle creases and/or skin on the back of the hand or know of any cases where this may have been done? I did find one case out of the UK that was in the JFI last year (Vol. 64), however, the defendant plead and the identification was not introduced into court. I am specifically looking for cases that went through the court system. I am primarily looking at how the identification was documented and any reports that were written. I appreciate any help!!!

Thanks, Susan

[Ernie Hamm]

"Knuckle Print Identification", William O. Jungbluth, Journal of Forensic Identification, 39:6 (1989).

[susand809]

Thank you so much Ernie!!

[Ernie Hamm]

Glad to assist. The information was available from CLPEX's Online Info panel through the link to "Hamm's FP Index". This is an Excel file with 3000+ entries searchable with Excel features. Of course, I knew Bill from years ago and knew he had written something on the subject. He also made a presentation on the subject at an IAI meeting in Pensacola years ago. If you search the index file for 'creases', you will find some references in other areas other than your interest. I believe I have seen something on skin features, but I stopped the reviewing and updating of the Index file after 2009 when I started divesting myself of professional journals and such.

Good luck in your quest.

Ernie

[George Reis]

You may want to check US v Richards, an Air Force military court martial in February 2013 in Florida. I worked the case for the defense. The prosecution's expert made a comparison using knuckle creases and (as I recall) two freckles.

George

[susand809]

George,

Thanks for the info!! Do you know the outcome of the trial? Also, did the defense ask for a Daubert hearing in order for the prosecution to be able to use the knuckles creases in making the Identification?

Thanks, Susan

[George Reis]

There was no Daubert hearing, but the defense did a pretty good job of challenging the identification. I have a copy of the expert's testimony transcript from the case if you want to contact me off list at reis@imagingforensics.com.

George

[John Vanderkolk]

Susan, From the UK texture of skin article, go to its references, then from those articles, go to their references, etc. You will find much. Make sure you build for yourself a strong foundation in nature's patterns and comparative science.

I start with nature's patterns are unique. Therefore, we are unique, our skin is unique, and the ridges, creases, scars, and other natural features of skin are unique.

First, I would analyze how the images were deposited and recorded or captured. Then I would analyze the images for the details of skin features. I would analyze for details of crease, scar, or other skin features. I would analyze those details for level 1, level 2, and level 3 clarity. The use of levels 1, 2, and 3 measurements should not be restricted to only details of friction ridge features.

I really like the SWGFAST acceptance of crease and other skin features and levels of details. See: http://www.swgfast.org/documents/examin ... ns_2.0.pdf ,
"1.2.1. Friction ridge skin bears an extremely complex, unique, and persistent morphological structure," and "4. Levels of Friction Ridge Impression Detail For Examinations. Level 1 detail refers to the overall ridge flow. Level 2 detail refers to individual friction ridge paths, friction ridge events (e.g., bifurcations, ending ridges, dots, and continuous ridges), and their relative arrangements. Level 3 detail refers to ridge structures (edge shapes and pores), and their relative arrangements. Creases, scars, warts, incipient ridges, and other features may be reflected in all three levels of details1." "1 For example, a crease could exhibit Level 1 crease flow, Level 2 crease path, and Level 3 crease shape."

I would consider the persistency of the features on the source as I analyze the details in the images.

Then, I would comparatively measure the details between the two images. I would make judgments of the individual comparative measurements and the aggregate of comparative measurements.

From the analyses and comparisons, I would judge the Quality and Quantity of individual comparative measurements and the aggregate Quality and Quantity of those measurements and make a decision: From the analyses and comparisons, I would evaluate whether the images came from different sources (Exclusion), the images came from the same source (Identification), or I do not know (Inconclusive). I would have the images re-examined to determine whether verification occurred. You can pursue multiple re-exams.

I would alter the documentation of how the back of the hand texture article presented the crease documentation. I would use a variety of colors to document corresponding details. Corresponding details 'a' could be yellow, 'b' red, 'c' green, 'd' blue, 'e' orange, etc. You can document corresponding details on paper with colored markers or electronically.

I have participated in examining animal muzzle prints, human elbow prints, broken tree branches, and other patterns from nature. If you will be at the IAI seminar in Sacramento, we can visit. I submitted a paper to present, "Forensic Comparative Science: Where have we been and where might we be going" and should present some workshops. I believe in comparing things.

George, you have my email. Please send me the US v. Richards information. Thanks, JohnV

[susand809]

John,

Thank you very much!!! I have been doing alot of research and unfortunately, there is not alot out there regarding this type of comparison/identification. I do have copies of the Swgfast examples that you mentioned and have already given them to the ASA prosecuting the case.

I am just struggling on exactly how to word my findings while not being specific as we would for friction ridge skin.

Thanks again!!

Susan

[Tracy Peloquin]

Hi Susan,

I have been working on this very topic for a couple of years now. I have written a number of case reports with various findings but I am still waiting for the day I can present this evidence in court as I have had guilty pleas in most all of the cases.

I reached out a few years ago trying to find information on this very topic and had little in the way of results. I would love to have some contact with you regarding this and I would be willing to share some of my report findings and wordings.

Most of my comparisons involve images and/or video from CP cases. I have an extensive latent print background, but have been primarily involved in Forensic Video/Image Analysis and other types of comparison work in recent years.

I have a number of questions and perhaps areas where I can assist. Please contact me off line and I would love to chat. My email is tracy.peloquin@opp.ca

George - you are holding out on me! I would love it if you could forward that US v Richards case to me as well.

Tracy

[George Reis]

You're right Tracy - you were a big help to me when I was working that case! I will send you an e-mail packet!