Phi-Fic Chapter 1317 Identifying the Corpse
Chapter 1317 Identifying the Corpse
Microscopic examination of the scratches and dents on the handle revealed that the shovel had been used for at least three years. The uniform patina and wear on the handle indicated frequent use, but this still couldn't pinpoint the culprit. "It seems this shovel can only serve as supplementary evidence, proving the type of tool used in the crime, but it can't directly point to a suspect," Xiao Yang said helplessly.
At 10 p.m., the preliminary identification of all physical evidence was completed. Xiao Yang and Xiao Sun sat at the lab table, organizing the report, their faces showing exhaustion. "To summarize, only a trace amount of mitochondrial DNA was extracted from the hair, requiring long-term comparison; the blue fabric is ordinary polyester with no special markings, and the stains are not blood; the shovel was confirmed as the murder weapon, but its origin cannot be traced; the soil sample proves the shovel is related to the crime scene. Overall, we haven't obtained any major clues that could directly advance the case, nor have we been able to confirm the victim's identity," Xiao Sun explained, his tone tinged with frustration.
Looking at the forensic report, Xiao Yang tapped his fingers lightly on the table, lost in thought: "Although there was no breakthrough, it wasn't a complete loss. At least we ruled out the possibility that the hair directly identified the person or that the fabric pointed to a specific scene, and we also confirmed the connection between the shovel and the crime scene, narrowing down some useless possibilities for subsequent investigations. For example, when Hou Xu is investigating, he can focus on people who frequently use similar shovels and may have come into contact with polyester fabric, such as construction workers, gardeners, and waste collectors."
"And the mitochondrial DNA—although we won't have results in the short term, we can simultaneously have Xiao Zhou's team keep an eye out for missing persons with similar maternal relatives when investigating the deceased's interpersonal relationships. There might be a cross-match," Xiao Sun added, a glimmer of hope rekindled. "Also, although the dark red stains on the fabric aren't blood, we can further analyze their composition to see if they're a specific dye, engine oil, or other industrial raw material. What if we find clues related to a particular industry?"
Xiao Yang's eyes lit up and he immediately nodded: "Yes, this idea is feasible! Send the stain sample for further composition analysis first thing tomorrow morning, maybe we can find something new. Also, let's check the shovel again, especially the connection between the shovel head and the handle, to see if there are any traces that we missed, such as wood chips or fiber residue. In case we can extract new evidence?"
The two immediately decided to continue in-depth testing of the physical evidence the next morning. At 10:30 PM, they took the preliminary identification report to Li Ming's office to report. "Captain Li, the preliminary identification of all physical evidence is complete. No major clues have been obtained, and the victim's identity has not yet been confirmed. However, we have determined that the shovel was the murder weapon. We also plan to conduct further testing on the fabric stains and the shovel, and simultaneously input the mitochondrial DNA into the database for comparison." Xiao Yang handed the report to Li Ming, explaining the identification results and subsequent plans in detail.
Li Ming took the report, carefully reviewed it, and instead of showing obvious disappointment, calmly said, "I know the technical identification process won't be smooth sailing, but you've done a great job. Continue with your plan, conduct in-depth testing, and don't overlook any details. Also, send the report to Xiao Wang and Xiao Zhou so they can adjust their approach during their visits and investigations, for example, by focusing on specific groups that use shovels and keeping an eye out for missing persons whose DNA might match their mitochondrial DNA."
He paused, then his tone became firm: "Case investigation is a gradual process. Although we have limited clues now, as long as we take each step carefully, from physical evidence identification to on-site visits and personnel screening, and advance on multiple fronts simultaneously, we will find a breakthrough sooner or later. You've worked hard, get some rest, and continue the fight tomorrow."
Leaving Li Ming's office, Xiao Yang and Xiao Sun walked down the quiet corridor. Although they hadn't found anything yet, their belief remained unwavering. They knew that technical analysis was crucial for solving the case; every meticulous test, every small discovery, could be the key to uncovering the truth. And now, the physical evidence in the laboratory waited quietly, as if silently telling the secrets of the case, waiting for them to further uncover the hidden clues and find hope for justice for the unidentified victims of the shantytown in the north of the city.
Meanwhile, at 11 p.m., the cold lights of the forensic autopsy room in the Criminal Investigation Detachment pierced the silent night, illuminating the stainless steel autopsy table with a cold, white sheen. The body found in the shantytown in the north of the city had been carefully transported here. The outer layer of broken bricks and dust had been preliminarily cleaned, but the dark clothing still bore mottled dirt and fibers, and a stench of decay and dust lingered in the space despite the ventilation system.
Forensic pathologist Zhang Lin, dressed in a dark blue autopsy gown and double-layered latex gloves tightly fitting his fingers, stood beside the autopsy table. His gaze swept over the overall shape of the corpse. Behind him, his assistant, Xiao Lin, had already arranged the autopsy tools in order on a tray, and a whiteboard lay open beside him, a pen poised to record. "Xiao Lin, first record the basic external characteristics of the corpse, paying particular attention to rigor mortis, livor mortis, and the degree of skin decomposition. These are the core evidence for determining the time of death. Also, the demolition site environment is complex, so carefully check the body surface for any signs of secondary damage from bricks and stones to avoid confusion with the original injuries." Zhang Lin's voice came through his protective mask, calm yet with an extreme focus on detail.
Xiao Lin nodded, paid the money, and gently measured the body with a soft measuring tape. His pen tip slid quickly across the record board: "Teacher Zhang, the deceased is male, about 168 cm tall, thin, and preliminarily estimated to be between 40 and 50 years old; the skin is light green, there are scattered putrefactive veins on the face, neck and chest, a small amount of cadaveric green in the lower left abdomen, and putrefactive bubbles at the elbow joint of the right upper limb—judging from the degree of decomposition, the time of death should be quite long, right?"
Zhang Lin crouched down and gently pressed his fingers against the upper limb muscles of the corpse to feel the firmness of rigor mortis. He then turned the corpse over to examine the livor mortis on its back: "Rigoletto is distributed throughout all major joints. The jaw joint, neck muscles, and limb joints are all in a rigid state, while the finger joints are in a semi-flexed state. There is considerable resistance when pressing, indicating that rigor mortis has reached its peak. The livor mortis is located on the back, buttocks, and the back of the limbs. It is dark purplish-red in color and does not fade after pressing, proving that the livor mortis is completely fixed. Based on the characteristics of skin decomposition, the preliminary judgment is that the time of death is between 10 and 14 days, but further verification is needed based on the condition of the internal organs, stomach contents, and the degree of corneal opacity."
He pointed to the greenish tinge on the lower left abdomen of the corpse and continued to explain.