Volabolomics' innovative evidence technique could have changed the outcome of the ‘painter murder’ sentence?

In the context of forensic science, advances in trace identification are a crucial aspect. A recent advance in the investigation of Volabolomic science highlights the possibility of using Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as evidence. In this paper, we applied experimental research on VOCs to forensic investigations, translating the method to a real murder case. Volabolomic data recordings were made using an electronic nose (e-nose) sensor. We tested, under conditions mimicking the true circumstances of a murder, the emission of VOCs from plastic bags and their permeability to the gases of cadaveric decay, Volaboloma mortis. All types of plastic bags used release VOCs, with slight differences depending on the material and processing method. In addition, all bags allow permeation to VOCs, in a consistent manner, enabling a higher permeation rate between 48 and 72 hours. These results highlight the importance of studying Volabolomic traces, which could enable a breakthrough in crime scene analysis by enriching it with a new set of measurable evidence.