Signed in bone: Toolmark identification of a machete and multidisciplinary 3D reconstruction in a homicide investigation

This study presents a homicide case involving sharp force trauma. A chop mark in the parietotemporal skull provided very strong support for the proposition that it was produced by the seized machete, based on conventional comparison microscopy and optical comparison of 3D surface scan data. This result was further supported by quantitative comparison using normalized cross-correlation (XCorr = 0.73) of the striated mark in the bone and the produced test marks of the machete. By integrating findings from toolmark examination, forensic pathology, postmortem CT (pmCT) imaging, bloodstain pattern analysis, and crime scene documentation, a three-dimensional reconstruction of the moment of impact was created. This case demonstrates the value of toolmark analysis of sharp force trauma in homicide investigations. It also highlights the potential of integrating multiple forensic disciplines to generate comprehensive three-dimensional reconstructions of violent crimes for use in criminal investigations and the presentation of forensic evidence in court.