Analyzing real crimes

From: inteligencialtda

This article explores the complexities of analyzing real crimes, drawing insights from forensic experts and discussions on criminal psychology, investigation techniques, and the media’s influence.

The Scope of Real Crime Analysis

The program delves into major crime cases from Brazil and around the world [00:02:00]. Audience participation is encouraged through questions [00:01:54].

Media Representation and the Glamorization of Criminals

A significant discussion point is the ethical concern of giving attention to criminals, which can inadvertently glamorize them [00:04:28]. Examples cited include the fan clubs of Suzane von Richthofen and the letters received by the “Maniac of the Park” [00:05:06]. It is argued that showing the faces of criminals, particularly in cases like school shootings, can turn them into heroes, hence the practice in the United States of not displaying their images [00:05:50]. The media, by potentially privileging perpetrators, plays a role in this phenomenon [00:05:42].

Psychological Aspects of Criminals

Analyzing criminal behavior requires understanding personality traits and disorders.

Psychopathy and its Manifestations

Psychopathy is described not just as someone who wants to hit or destroy, but as a personality trait, specifically antisocial personality disorder [00:13:36]. While many people have psychopathic traits, only a few develop an aggressive side towards human beings [00:09:42], [00:10:25].

Psychopathy can manifest in various ways, not always through violence. Examples include:

• Animal abuse like dog or cockfighting [00:10:08].
• “Executioners” in corporate or political settings [00:15:02], such as Steve Jobs, who was known for pushing engineers to work excessive hours [00:15:13].
• Individuals who destroy relationships within their own homes [00:15:39].

Influence of External Factors

Societal “brakes” like family upbringing, education, religion, morality, and strong laws help contain individuals [00:10:32], [00:11:10], [00:11:24]. When these brakes are broken, it’s hard to reinstate them [00:10:59]. The trivialization of violence through repeated exposure can lead to acceptance and outbursts of aggression, even without a formal psychological disorder [03:11:37].

Lack of Empathy

Psychopaths often struggle to recognize or fake empathy because they have never experienced it [01:07:07], [02:42:42]. They do not realize the harm they are causing [02:42:00].

Case Studies of Complex Crime Investigations

Suzane von Richthofen Case

This case is initially discussed in the context of glamorizing criminals [00:05:06]. The expert arrived at the scene while the bodies were still present [01:17:20], noting the house was remarkably tidy despite the crime, which contrasted with the family’s pattern [00:45:51].

Investigation Overview:

• The Homicide Department (DHPP) handles homicides of unknown authorship, especially where the crime scene is preserved [01:18:31].
• In this case, the bodies of Manfred and Marísia were on-site [01:19:05].
• A multidisciplinary team, including delegates, clerks, investigators, papiloscopists (fingerprint experts), criminal experts, and photographers, attends crime scenes [02:20:57].
• The initial investigation is crucial to preserve evidence, as elements like bloodstains can be easily lost due to environmental factors [02:21:46].
• The crime scene indicated extreme violence, with Marísia suffering multiple fractures from a blunt object [02:50:41]. Manfred also sustained significant blows [02:53:35]. The nature of the injuries suggested at least two assailants [02:55:51].
• The scene, particularly a scattered dresser and jewelry, was arranged to simulate a robbery, but the illogical spread of items indicated it was staged [02:56:49]. The hidden false bottom in a closet containing real valuables further pointed to an inside job [02:58:05].
• Suzane’s actions and statements, such as describing a folder she claimed not to have touched (despite it being manipulated), raised suspicion [03:00:30]. Her boyfriend Daniel’s request for a motel receipt for an alibi was also suspicious, as it’s not a common request [03:01:05].
• The quick sale of stolen goods by Cristian (Daniel’s brother) and his unusual payment method (cash, foreign currency) further implicated the trio [03:02:07].
• Suzane’s coldness and lack of empathy, coupled with inconsistencies in her story, were noted by investigators [03:05:42], [03:07:07]. Her seemingly “perfect” narrative was a red flag for seasoned investigators [02:46:46].
• The dismemberment of the body (in the Matsunaga case) was performed by at least two people: one with surgical knowledge (lower limbs, abdomen) and another without (upper limbs, neck) [02:50:32].

Elize Matsunaga Case

The expert’s involvement in the Elize Matsunaga case began with the luminol residue detection and collecting traces in her apartment, as she was already a suspect [01:59:55]. The investigation of Matsunaga’s body, which was found dismembered in another city, fell under DHPP because the crime’s origin was in São Paulo [01:19:11]. A key piece of evidence was the changed mattress, which was given to a maid, and later tested positive for blood [02:06:51], leading to Elize’s confession [02:10:08].

Elize’s version of events included:

• Hiring a private detective and confronting her husband, Marcos, over infidelity [02:12:47].
• A physical altercation where Marcos allegedly slapped her, leading her to retrieve a gun [02:13:03], [02:52:26].
• The shooting occurred at a distance of 1.92 meters, but forensic evidence of muzzle residue contradicted this, indicating a short-distance shot (within 5-15cm) [02:18:01], [02:20:01].
• The victim was shot from top to bottom, left to right, and front to back, indicating he was caught by surprise [02:22:07], [02:23:50].
• Elize’s actions, such as buying an electric saw a week before the murder, indicated premeditation, despite her claims of using it for garden pruning [02:28:08].

Garanhuns Cannibals Case

This case highlights schizophrenia and cult-like behavior. Jorge, diagnosed with schizophrenia, believed voices told him to kill to “purify the earth” of “useless people” [03:14:26], [03:22:16]. He and his wife, along with another woman, Bruna, formed a “loving triangle” and engaged in cannibalism, eating human flesh to make the bodies sacred [03:14:45], [03:16:45]. They even made and sold coxinhas (a Brazilian snack) with human flesh, unknowingly fed to the first victim’s daughter [03:16:56].

Forensic Investigation Techniques

Forensic analysis involves detailed examination of crime scenes and evidence.

Evidence Collection and Preservation

• Initial Response: The first officers on scene must confirm the facts and then contact the area delegate [03:30:01]. If authorship is unknown, DHPP is called [03:33:13].
• Scene Preservation: Rush to the scene is crucial to gather all traces possible, as physical evidence can be perishable (e.g., bloodstains in rain, bullet casings) [02:22:50]. Minimizing contamination is vital; even a police officer stepping on a bloodstain can create new, misleading patterns [02:32:98].
• Documentation: In older cases, analog cameras and extensive written notes were used, as photo development took weeks [03:06:03]. Today, technology allows for immediate analysis and digital recording [03:36:26].
• Bloodstain Analysis: A simple bloodstain can provide vast information, including height of fall, speed, and whether the victim coughed or was running [02:37:37]. Luminol is used to reveal latent bloodstains [03:47:49], but other tests like PK Cut (originally for detecting blood in feces) confirm human blood presence [03:40:02].
• DNA and Hair Evidence: DNA can be extracted from human blood [03:39:39]. While hair contains chromosomes, several strands with the root (bubu) are needed for conclusive DNA identification [03:42:44]. Without the root, only mitochondrial DNA (maternally inherited) can be used, which can only include or exclude families, not individualize [03:32:46].
• Forensic Lights: Forensic lights operating at specific frequencies (e.g., ultraviolet) can stimulate molecules in substances to reveal hidden evidence [04:17:54].

Role of Forensic Experts

Experts “give a voice” to the deceased and the crime scene, translating “silent language” into actionable intelligence [02:52:53]. Their experience allows them to notice subtle details that others miss [02:53:57].

Challenges and Limitations

• Time of Death: Determining the precise time of death is critical for including or excluding suspects [02:52:32]. Factors like ambient temperature, clothing, and surface where the body lies affect decomposition and rigor mortis, making precise calculations difficult [02:55:51].
• Contamination: Cross-contamination of evidence is a constant threat. Experts must change gloves for each material collected to prevent transferring DNA or other traces [03:56:06].
• Chain of Custody: Maintaining a meticulous chain of custody for all collected material is paramount. Every transfer, opening, and re-sealing of evidence must be documented to ensure its integrity in court [03:59:15]. Doubts about procedures or seals can lead to evidence nullification [03:58:37].
• Outdated Policies: Brazil’s DNA database is considered outdated, with only 100,000 samples compared to a population of 230 million [03:08:41]. The lack of a unified national ID system also complicates investigations [03:09:29].

Homicide Investigation Techniques

Psychological Work and Reconstructions

Investigators engage in psychological work with suspects during simulated reconstructions to uncover more information [03:41:59]. This includes guiding them to remember details their subconscious might have suppressed [03:49:50]. If a person’s testimony is “too perfect,” it raises suspicion, indicating a rehearsed script [02:46:46].

”Prostitute of Evidence” (Witnesses)

Witnesses are sometimes referred to as the “prostitute of evidence” because their testimony can be influenced or contaminated by leading questions, making them less reliable than physical evidence [02:42:20].

The Investigator’s Emotional Toll

Investigators develop a certain “hardening” or indifference to death over time as a coping mechanism [03:32:00]. However, crimes involving helpless victims, like children, are particularly difficult [03:38:39]. The job demands an “emotional absurdity above any human being normal” [03:21:24].

Conclusion

Analyzing real crimes is a multifaceted endeavor, requiring a deep understanding of human psychology, meticulous forensic techniques, and the ability to navigate the challenges of evidence preservation and societal influence. The constant evolution of criminal behavior and investigative tools makes it a perpetually fascinating and demanding field.