CRJ 627
Wayne Williams Written Report
The University of Arizona Global Campus
CRJ 627: Advanced Forensic Science
https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/crlVezVIPaA
Wayne Williams Report
Wayne Williams is suspected of murdering more than 20 Black youths from 1979 to 1981
in Atlanta Georgia. Williams was 22 years-old when he was arrested as a suspect in the Atlanta
murders. Investigators believed that Williams was responsible for majority of the Atlanta
murders. The only clue that the detectives had to go on was the yellow-green nylon carpet fiber
that was found on many of the bodies, which led the investigators to believe the killings were
connected. There were also hairs found of different victims that displayed a match to Williams
own hair. Wayne Williams was found guilty in the murders of two adults, Nathaniel Cater and
Jimmy Ray Payne. He was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences. Investigators stated that
evidence connected him to most of the killings however he was not charged with them. This
paper will explain different techniques used to process non-biological trace, biological, and
digital evidence in the field and laboratory setting, comparing of handling major evidence at the
time of discovery, and how it would be handled today. This paper will also include legal and
ethical issues in relation to the court admissibility dealing with collection and forensic testing of
evidence, as well as current challenges and future issues relevant to the case. I will also analyze
any legal or court issues that came about after some time in the initial investigation, differentiate
evidence admissibility standard back then and now, explaining differences in handling and
processing procedures and the evolution in forensics that happened that would have impact on
this case. Lastly, an evaluation of the preferred methods and techniques used in the field and the
laboratory as it relates to the case.
, Different techniques used to process non-biological trace, biological, and digital
evidence in the field, and laboratory setting.
When first responders arrive at the crime scene it is important that they document and
preserve the evidence before investigators arrive. First responder must be careful that they do not
contaminate any evidence. The evidence is processed by the forensic team using different
scientific techniques. Trace evidence consist of soil, grass, dirt, fibers, glass, and bullet fragments
(Dutelle, 2017). Any trace evidence as well as hair evidence found at a scene is collected and
properly labeled before sending it out to the laboratory. When analyzing trace evidence or hair
evidence microscopes are used. The types of microscopes used today includes compound
microscopes, stereoscopes, electron scopes, and more.
Biological evidence consists of blood, bodily fluids, skin, semen, urine, and this kind of
evidence can pose a risk. To collect this evidence the forensic team, use cotton tip applicators
are, if hair is being collected it is placed in an envelope (Kleypas, Badiye, 2021). The collection
of evidence is the same as trace evidence, document and photograph the evidence, properly
secure it by putting it in a paper bag or envelope, closing and sealing it, labeling the bag or
envelope with identifying information, place signature, date, and time on the envelope (Kleypas,
Badiye, 2021).
Fingerprints present at the scene consist of latent, plaster, and patent in nature. Plastic
fingerprints have a three-dimensional appearance from being impressed into soft material such as
wet putty, soap, wet cement and dust. Patent fingerprints are easily identifiable. This kind of print
are found in material such as ink, blood, oil, or chocolate. These prints require no processing
(Dutelle, 2017). Latent fingerprints require more processing to make the print visible and
suitable for comparison. When collecting fingerprints photographs and measurements should be
taken, as well as light sources, chemicals to provide a clear photograph.
Wayne Williams Written Report
The University of Arizona Global Campus
CRJ 627: Advanced Forensic Science
https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/crlVezVIPaA
Wayne Williams Report
Wayne Williams is suspected of murdering more than 20 Black youths from 1979 to 1981
in Atlanta Georgia. Williams was 22 years-old when he was arrested as a suspect in the Atlanta
murders. Investigators believed that Williams was responsible for majority of the Atlanta
murders. The only clue that the detectives had to go on was the yellow-green nylon carpet fiber
that was found on many of the bodies, which led the investigators to believe the killings were
connected. There were also hairs found of different victims that displayed a match to Williams
own hair. Wayne Williams was found guilty in the murders of two adults, Nathaniel Cater and
Jimmy Ray Payne. He was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences. Investigators stated that
evidence connected him to most of the killings however he was not charged with them. This
paper will explain different techniques used to process non-biological trace, biological, and
digital evidence in the field and laboratory setting, comparing of handling major evidence at the
time of discovery, and how it would be handled today. This paper will also include legal and
ethical issues in relation to the court admissibility dealing with collection and forensic testing of
evidence, as well as current challenges and future issues relevant to the case. I will also analyze
any legal or court issues that came about after some time in the initial investigation, differentiate
evidence admissibility standard back then and now, explaining differences in handling and
processing procedures and the evolution in forensics that happened that would have impact on
this case. Lastly, an evaluation of the preferred methods and techniques used in the field and the
laboratory as it relates to the case.
, Different techniques used to process non-biological trace, biological, and digital
evidence in the field, and laboratory setting.
When first responders arrive at the crime scene it is important that they document and
preserve the evidence before investigators arrive. First responder must be careful that they do not
contaminate any evidence. The evidence is processed by the forensic team using different
scientific techniques. Trace evidence consist of soil, grass, dirt, fibers, glass, and bullet fragments
(Dutelle, 2017). Any trace evidence as well as hair evidence found at a scene is collected and
properly labeled before sending it out to the laboratory. When analyzing trace evidence or hair
evidence microscopes are used. The types of microscopes used today includes compound
microscopes, stereoscopes, electron scopes, and more.
Biological evidence consists of blood, bodily fluids, skin, semen, urine, and this kind of
evidence can pose a risk. To collect this evidence the forensic team, use cotton tip applicators
are, if hair is being collected it is placed in an envelope (Kleypas, Badiye, 2021). The collection
of evidence is the same as trace evidence, document and photograph the evidence, properly
secure it by putting it in a paper bag or envelope, closing and sealing it, labeling the bag or
envelope with identifying information, place signature, date, and time on the envelope (Kleypas,
Badiye, 2021).
Fingerprints present at the scene consist of latent, plaster, and patent in nature. Plastic
fingerprints have a three-dimensional appearance from being impressed into soft material such as
wet putty, soap, wet cement and dust. Patent fingerprints are easily identifiable. This kind of print
are found in material such as ink, blood, oil, or chocolate. These prints require no processing
(Dutelle, 2017). Latent fingerprints require more processing to make the print visible and
suitable for comparison. When collecting fingerprints photographs and measurements should be
taken, as well as light sources, chemicals to provide a clear photograph.
