In August of 2000, Tracy Tomko went out for her daily morning run and never returned. Tracys body was found in a wooded area deceased. Evidence at the scene told investigators that Tracy was ran over by a car, dragged into the wooded area by her Akron apartment and was left to die face down in a puddle of water where she drowned. The only evidence at the scene was shards of glass and a small piece of plastic. To detectives the death of Tracy was a mystery and there was little evidence that would point them in the direction of the killer. Had it not been for the small piece of plastic found the case might have never been solved. Investigators were able to determine that the small piece of plastic belonged to a 1990s Ford Tempo and within hours patrol officers were able to locate a Ford Tempo that was missing the small piece of plastic. Furthermore, it was discovered that the man in the vehicle had taken the car to get the windshield replaced shortly after Tracy was left to die. The man confessed to the crime and was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and served a ten-year sentence.
Based on the information provided answer the following questions:
Identify at least 2 other trace evidentiary items that could possibly be present, based on the case facts as described.
For each of the items, discuss the proper procedure for collecting, preserving, and testing the items.
What additional benefits would they provide to the case?
Are there budgetary concerns with regard to the lab tests, and if so, what impact do those concerns have on an investigation?
One source must be from Forensic Evidence 5th Edition by Suzanne Bell