ALTERNATE AND UVA PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES
ATTEMPTED RAPE/HOMICIDE
A bite mark was found on the right breast of this homicide victim. Under normal lighting conditions, the pattern injury appeared as seen above, with little information about the dental signature of the perpetrator.
The photograph above shows what this bite looked like with Alternate Light Imaging. Typically, bruise patterns on human skin are more easily seen with ALI, as this flourescent technique looks below the surface of the tissue in order to reveal underlying damage.
The same image as those above only this time photographed in reflective UVA (Ultra Violet) light only. This technique brings forth only the tissue damage to the immediate surface of the skin. Even though all three photographic techniques are accepted and recommended, in this particular case the UV photo proved to be the crime-solver.
Below is a life-sized comparison of the perpetrator's teeth to the bite mark. Notice the consistent "V-shaped" front teeth that fit the similar pattern on the breast. This incriminating evidence was later confirmed by DNA analysis from a salivary swab taken from the central area of the bite. This is the first case in California where DNA collected from a patttern injury on skin confirmed the identity of the biting suspect.
(photo courtesy of G. Vale, DDS)