Journal of Forensic Research

Contact Lens Burial Simulation Study

Abstract

Charles S Zwerling, Katherine Kirby-Parker, Autumn Wright and Micah E Lee

Contact lenses have rarely been relevant in criminal investigations and/or trials. Furthermore, there are no established protocols for the forensic evaluation of contact lenses in a criminal case. Recently, an article concerning the forensic use of contact lenses in a murder case was published in the Journal of Forensic Science. After obtaining a court order, the body of murder victim Janet Abaroa was exhumed for further forensic evaluation. Contact lens remnants were retrieved from her orbital contents and became key material evidence in her murder trial.
This paper describes the contact lens burial simulation study, which served as a vital part of the Abaroa forensic investigation. Additionally, a retrospective summary of other criminal cases involving contact lenses is presented. A finalized protocol for the forensic analysis of contact lenses in a criminal case is presented to assist future investigators.