The simple answers are yes for fingerprints and no for blood. Meticulously wiping down the rear compartment of a van stands a decent chance of removing fingerprints. Of course, it will depend on how thorough the job is done.
Blood is another matter. It is very difficult to remove all trace of blood, especially in something like a vehicle interior where there are so many crevices. Even on a smooth surface, it takes a lot of cleaning. The surface can be visually clean and still bear a significant thin coating of blood. I suppose we should qualify what a "trace" is, but, today, it takes very little for both detection and DNA. In increasing order of value as evidence, blood can present evidence of simple blood, species determination, and DNA. But, in general, if it can be clearly detected with, for instance, Luminol, it's likely good for DNA. From the crooks point of view, blood should be considered indelible, short of burning the van.
May 15, 2008 Rating
Recommended Book For Crime Writers by: David
Hi Mary
You might find the following book useful.
Forensics and Fiction: Clever, Intriguing, and Downright Odd Questions from Crime Writers by D.P Lyle
Book Description
How long can someone survive in a cold, damp cave without food or water? How was diphtheria treated in 1886? Can Botox kill? Can DNA be found on a knife years later? How are mummified corpses identified? How long does it take blood to clot when spilled on a tile floor? What happens in death from electrocution?
As a consultant to many novelists around the world and to the writers of such popular TV shows as Monk, Law & Order, House, and CSI: Miami, D. P. Lyle, M.D., has answered many cool, clever, and oddball questions over the years. Forensics and Fiction: Clever, Intriguing, and Downright Odd Questions from Crime Writers is a collection of the best of these questions. The answers are provided in a concise and entertaining fashion that will keep you wide awake so you can read just one more.
