What is Latent Fingerprinting?● A fingerprint that is left on a surface by deposits of oil and
sweat from the finger.
● Not seen by the eye
● Used techniques to preserve the fingerprint
How are Fingerprints Analyzed?● They can be found on many surfaces, but usually are not
visible to the naked eye
● Detection often requires the use of fingerprint powders, light
sources, or chemical reagents
‘30-Year-Old Murder Solved’● In 1978 61-year-old Caroll Bonnett was stabbed to death in
his apartment and then his car went stolen
● Latent fingerprints were collected at the
Scene
● Case went cold
The Investigation● Bonett’s car was discovered in Illinois
● Case went cold again
● The Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System
was launched
● Case was reopened
Case Re-Opens● The IAFIS was able to read the prints
● Linked to Jerry Watson
● Found guilty and sentenced to life in prison
Citations Byrd, M. (n.d.). Ridge Detail at a Crime Scene. Retrieved August 24, 2017, from http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/prints.html
Fingerprint Analysis. (2013). Retrieved August 24, 2017, from http://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/prints/how.html
30-Year-Old Murder Solved. (2017, February 16). Retrieved August 24, 2017, from https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/30-year-old-murder-solved