NCJ Number
85530
Journal
American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1982) Pages: 231-239
Date Published
1982
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The recent discovery of a case report in the Tulane University Library (Ohio) has illustrates the use of scientific expertise in the investigation of a homicide which occurred in 1876 in Donaldsonville, La.
Abstract
The record was discovered in the library's manuscript collection of the works of Joseph Jones, Professor of Chemistry and Clinical Medicine, Medical Department of the University of Louisiana. It relates an unusual circumstance that provided a clue in the case, tying together the suspect with the murder victim. The use of the microscope and chemical testing by Prof. Jones was unique in that he was able to demonstrate that two blood samples contained evidence of a malarial infection; this blood evidence was found at the scene and on a shirt of the suspect. The victim had been treated for malaria shortly before his death by bludgeoning. Footnotes and two references are given. (Author abstract modified)