Forensic identification of rape and murder case based on morphological features of hair: A case report

Abstract

In forensic identification, there are many cases of hair poisoning detection and analysis to assist forensic identification, with fewer reported cases using morphological features to assist forensic identification. Herein, we report the case of a 13-year-old girl who had been raped and killed. The body was abandoned in a snowy wilderness and was discovered 5 months later. After an on-site investigation and forensic examination, the case conformed to the characteristics of a homicide, and a strand of hair left on the deceased’s scarf became key evidence. Through morphological methods such as stereomicroscopy, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, we believe that the hair conformed to the morphological and histological characteristics of pubic hair, which helped clarify the case. Based on this case, we believe that the morphological characteristics of hair are of great significance for forensic identification and that rich morphological observation methods can enhance the evidential value of hair in forensic cases.