Citation

Stoian MG, Galan E, Andreescu G, Nechifor G. Sci. Bull. B Chem. Mater. Sci. UPB 2010; 72(3): 145-162.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, University Politehnica Bucureşti)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Forensic chemistry performs qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemicals found on people, various objects, or in solutions. The final result of the forensic scientist's work, the expert report, has a direct influence on the fate of given individuals. This burden implies a high responsibility that determines the way of thinking and acting in forensic chemistry, as well as in other disciplines of forensic sciences. The goal of this presentation is to provide an example of a challenging case, in which neither fingerprint nor DNA analysis could provide scientific proof in a bank robbery, while forensic chemistry examination contributed to the identification of the offender.Both traces from the crime scene and the tools collected from suspect's residence were submitted for examination to forensic chemistry laboratories. Detailed chemical analysis of trace evidences, examination of all physical-chemical characteristics using the skills, the creative approach and the perseverance of the forensic chemists, on one hand, and the new equipments and analytical methods (FT-IR spectrometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy), on the other hand, provided a complete .,of the samples, therefore playing a key role in characterizing samples, and could bring significant contribution to solving this bank robbery case.