How did engineers help solve the body in the suitcase

6^th International Conference on forensic Research and technology

September 18-19, 2017 Houston, USA

Mark Williams and Nigel Harrison

The University of Warwick, UK
Force CID, West Midlands Police, UK

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Forensic Res

Abstract :

On 12th May 2014, partial human remains were discovered in a suitcase during routine maintenance work on a Birmingham canal in the UK. A thorough search of the surrounding area resulted in the recovery of a 2nd suitcase containing the remainder of the body of the deceased; Michael Spalding. Enquiries led the investigation to a former property owner and local property. However, physical evidence tying the suspect to both the scene of the crime and murder was proving particularly difficult. That is, until the study of the contents of a recent bonfire and discovery of a suspicious looking lump of charcoal. This is the story of how engineers based at WMG, the University of Warwick were called upon to help solve the case and provide critical evidence that eventually led to the convictions of Simon Lorenzo and partner Michelle Bird. The talk will describe how, for the first time, a combination of 3D visualization, micro-CT and 3D printing was used in such a high profile homicide case and to produce evidence presented to a UK Jury.