As Özkök Law Firm, we know how critical evidence plays a role in criminal cases. Especially in serious crimes such as intentional homicide, the correct collection and evaluation of evidence is of great importance both in terms of identifying the criminal and protecting the rights of the victims. In this article, we will discuss in detail the general role of evidence in intentional homicide crimes and especially the importance of crime scene investigation.
General Role of Evidence in the Crime of Intentional Homicide
In the crime of intentional homicide, evidence refers to any information or object that is intended to prove whether the crime was committed, who committed it and how it was committed. This evidence is one of the most important elements in making a court decision. The types of evidence are quite diverse and may include the following:
• Physical evidence: Concrete evidence that the crime was committed, such as blood, hair, fingerprints, weapons, knives.
• Witness statements: Statements of people who saw or heard the incident.
• Video recordings: Visual recordings such as security cameras and mobile phone recordings.
• Expert reports: Expert reports such as crime scene investigation, DNA analysis, ballistic examinations.
The Importance of Crime Scene Investigation
Crime scene investigation is one of the most critical stages for the collection of evidence in intentional homicide crimes. During this investigation, all physical evidence found at the scene is carefully collected and examined by expert teams. The importance of crime scene investigation can be explained for the following reasons:
• Determining how the crime was committed: Traces at the scene help determine how the criminal moved, which weapon he used, and his escape route.
• Identifying suspects: Biological evidence such as fingerprints and DNA provide important clues to identify the criminal.
• Refuting defense claims: Crime scene investigation results can be used to confirm or refute the suspect’s claims.
• Expediting the judicial process: Conducting crime scene investigation quickly and accurately is important for the judicial process to be concluded in a shorter time.
Things to Consider in Crime Scene Investigation
The effectiveness of crime scene investigation depends on the following factors:
• Time: It is important to secure the crime scene as soon as possible and begin the investigation.
• Expertise: Experienced experts should perform crime scene investigations.
• Technology: Modern technological devices allow evidence to be detected more accurately and quickly.
• Documentation: Crime scene photographs, videos and detailed reports are used as important evidence in the judicial process.