NCJ Number
197820
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 52 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2002 Pages: 681-685
Editor(s)
Alan L. McRoberts
Date Published
November 2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This case study from Illinois examined footwear impressions and their suitability for comparison and subsequent identification when found at a crime scene on all types of surfaces, specifically fabric.
Abstract
In March 2000, in Wheaton Illinois, a police detective was investigating a residential burglary where two footwear impressions were found left on the cushion of a couch. It was questioned whether the footwear impressions could be compared to a suspect’s shoes. The cushion was sent to the DuPage County Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory for visual examination. The step-by-step examination is presented. It was apparent from visual examination that the impressions and the shoes bore the same class characteristics. In conducting a comparison, the right shoe was positively identified. The case serves as a reminder to crime scene personnel and footwear examiners that footwear impressions that are suitable for comparison and subsequent identification can be found on all types of surfaces.