Latent Fingerprinting - FORENSIC SCIENCE · 2018-09-04 · Latent fingerprints were collected at the Scene Case went cold. The Investigation Bonett’s car was discovered in Illinois

Latent FingerprintingBy: Liv Ringgenberg & Annie Mellen

What is Latent Fingerprinting?● A fingerprint that is left on a surface by deposits of oil and

sweat from the finger.

● Not seen by the eye

● Used techniques to preserve the fingerprint

Evidence Analyzed ● Fingerprints

○ Baby Powder

○ Superglue

○ Fingerprint powder

○ Light Sources

How are Fingerprints Analyzed?● They can be found on many surfaces, but usually are not

visible to the naked eye

● Detection often requires the use of fingerprint powders, light

sources, or chemical reagents

Fingerprint Patterns

Types of Cases

Every crime scene

‘30-Year-Old Murder Solved’● In 1978 61-year-old Caroll Bonnett was stabbed to death in

his apartment and then his car went stolen

● Latent fingerprints were collected at the

Scene

● Case went cold

The Investigation● Bonett’s car was discovered in Illinois

● Case went cold again

● The Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System

was launched

● Case was reopened

Case Re-Opens● The IAFIS was able to read the prints

● Linked to Jerry Watson

● Found guilty and sentenced to life in prison

Citations Byrd, M. (n.d.). Ridge Detail at a Crime Scene. Retrieved August 24, 2017, from http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/prints.html

Fingerprint Analysis. (2013). Retrieved August 24, 2017, from http://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/prints/how.html

30-Year-Old Murder Solved. (2017, February 16). Retrieved August 24, 2017, from https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/30-year-old-murder-solved