Free Web NovelChapter 882: Chapter 461: The Perfect Blend of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science! (Part 2)
In stark contrast were the expressions of sudden realization on the faces of the two young forensic doctors.
The "transdermal backlight examination method" mentioned by Jiang An instantly awakened their dormant memories.
This was a professional skill emphasized in forensic science classes but gradually forgotten by them.
Witnessing the practical application of this classic method allowed them to profoundly understand the gap between theory and practice.
With the skilled cooperation of the two forensic doctors, Jiang An precisely made an incision along the midline of the neck, then used tweezers to delicately separate and expose the skin tissues on both sides.
Every movement appeared effortless, as if performing a delicate piece of art.
Next, he slightly turned his body and calmly instructed, "You two, grip the skin on either side of the neck with both hands, stretch it slowly and evenly outward, and maintain some tension—not too loose nor too tight."
The two young forensic doctors immediately complied, carefully adjusting their force to gradually reveal the skin on the deceased’s neck.
The skin tightened under continuous traction, forming a flat observation surface.
Then he turned to Director Hou, speaking clearly and calmly, "Director Hou, please adjust the light to a vertical angle and aim it at the right neck area of the deceased."
Director Hou quickly responded, holding the investigation light to adjust the beam, which shone brightly and focused downward.
Meanwhile, Jiang An had moved to the other side of the neck, bending over and concentrating, his eyes focused intently on the skin illuminated in detail.
Under the intense vertical light, the originally vague marks on the right side of the deceased’s neck suddenly stood out clearly.
The fingerprints were aligned distinctly, even though the time since death was long, with some skin appearing leather-like and slight epidermal detachment, all minute traces were exposed under such lighting.
Political Commissioner Li, standing behind Jiang An, could hardly contain his excitement, almost blurting out, "Who needs professional experience for this?"
"Even an amateur like me can clearly see—these are obviously finger-impression marks!"
The two young forensic doctors were equally thrilled.
They initially thought there would be no breakthrough in this cold case, especially since Mr. Jiang didn’t perform an autopsy during the last examination, dampening their hopes for evidence collection.
To their surprise, Jiang An managed to reveal the critical neck compression marks in a nearly "crime scene reenactment" manner without damaging the body.
The two exchanged a glance, each reading excitement and admiration in the other’s eyes.
This method was not only straightforward and effective but also fully compliant with evidence collection standards, promising great utility in future similar cases.
Distinguished slightly by standing farther away, Director Hou couldn’t see the marks under the light as clearly but sensed the significant discovery from everyone’s reactions, stepping forward involuntarily.
Jiang An didn’t slack after the initial finding but continued to focus on examining the relationship and the distribution pattern of the marks, as if deciphering a silent testament.
"If the suspect pressed with their left hand against the victim’s neck," he analyzed in a low voice, more as self-reflection, "then the right side of the neck should show four finger impressions distributed in a fan shape."
His gaze scanned each inch of skin like a thorough inspection, searching for coherent force marks that fit logically.
Minutes ticked by—one, two, five, ten...
Suddenly, Jiang An leaned slightly forward, his tone lifting, "Found it! Right here!"
He immediately looked up and asked, "Is there a marker?"
"Yes!"
The forensic assistant quickly passed it over.
Jiang An took the pen, gracefully and accurately marking the corresponding spot.
"Look here," he gestured for everyone to come closer, "these four fingerprints are uniformly formed not only in shape but also at the same level—indicating the pressure was applied by fingers with a length nearly equal between the middle finger and index finger, signifying a certain degree of finger bone abnormality or disability."
He paused, then added, "This isn’t just an observational conclusion; we can conduct precise measurements of all the traces on this plane for a unified survey to further validate this assumption."
Hearing this, Director Hou, moved forward with excitement, his voice trembling slightly, "This can completely establish that the murderer pressed with their left hand, and it’s significant evidence of a left-hand disability!"
"This discovery is so crucial!"
Political Commissioner Li also smiled contentedly, nodding repeatedly, "Indeed, this is excellent. With this evidence, it could nearly serve as a decisive standard for identifying the suspect, holding great significance in breaking the case."
The two forensic doctors couldn’t hide their excitement either.
Initially reluctant to be called to work late at night, given the exhaustion from a full day’s work, physical and mental fatigue.
But now, all reluctance had vanished, replaced by genuine gratitude and exhilaration.
The professional knowledge learned this deep night was far more direct and effective than painstakingly searching for clues usually.
One young forensic doctor couldn’t help but whisper to a colleague, "This trip was so worthwhile; it’s practical experience you won’t find in textbooks."
As everyone indulged in excitement, Jiang An steadily added, "Normally, the length distribution of fingers on a person’s left hand follows a pattern, where typically the middle finger is the longest, followed by the index finger and ring finger."
"But if the finger pressure marks on this neck show these three fingers sharing the same length, from the perspective of evidence science, this would be a strongly persuasive proof."
"This would not only solidify our confidence in identifying the suspect but also provide solid technical support for the judge’s final ruling."
Director Hou and Political Commissioner Li exchanged a glance and spontaneously gave Jiang An thumbs up.
Director Hou sincerely praised, "Mr. Jiang, you are truly a talent in the criminal investigation field!"
"Combining keen detective intuition with professional forensic expertise—it’s the perfect blend of technique and practical experience!"
Political Commissioner Li echoed, "Indeed, such talent is really rare."
Jiang An shook his head slightly, a wry smile on his lips, "Actually, this isn’t a special situation—just meets the demands of our case."
"If Guo Yong’s left hand didn’t exhibit this peculiar shorter middle finger trait, I might be powerless."
"After all, this case has lasted a long time, and the available tangible evidence is indeed too scarce."
He paused briefly, his tone became grave, "Perhaps it’s fate. Sometimes solving a case requires professional ability but also just a bit of luck."
"The key breakthrough in this case might really be divinely orchestrated."
These words resonated with everyone present.
Director Hou, Political Commissioner Li, and the two forensic doctors nodded in unison.
In their many years of criminal investigative work, indeed, they’ve encountered numerous moments that seemed coincidental yet crucial.
Some clues appeared at the right moment, some evidence found at the opportune time, as if the whole case hinged on that pivotal coincidence.
Missing that moment might lead the investigation into a deadlock, where no breakthrough could be found.
The discussion drew to a close, and the task force immediately engaged in intense evidence collection efforts.
They meticulously photographed the special marks on the corpse’s neck from multiple angles, placed scales strictly according to standards, ensuring each detail was complete and accurately captured in the evidence photos.
Upon completing these critical tasks, the five swiftly drove back to the city public security bureau.
