Dead Men Tell Tales: The Science of the Scene
- By Website Editor
- •
- 19 Feb, 2020
Forensics veteran Alina Burroughs Joins CC20
Alina Burroughs has one wish for the criminal justice community.
“I wish the public, the jury, and the media all had one hundred percent of the information,” she says. “As a crime scene investigator, we see ninety percent of the case. Only a small portion of that makes it to court or to the media, then the public forms an opinion based on fifty percent of that.” Overall, she says, she wishes juries were more educated on what to look for in homicide evidence rather than relying on scientists and legal jargon to tell the story. “Understanding those things can be critical in keeping killers off the street.”
She should know. Burroughs was one of the first CSIs to investigate the disappearance of Caylee Anthony, including Casey Anthony’s white Saturn. She also spent eleven days on her hands and knees at the site where Caylee Anthony’s body was found, sifting through soil, mud, and foliage to help find justice for Caylee -- justice that would never come.
Jurors from the case have spoken out on the verdict, stating that prosecutors in the case simply weren’t able to prove how little Caylee died. Anthony’s defense team, led by Jose Baez, zeroed in on the lack of a conclusive cause of death to convince the jury that Caylee’s death had been a tragic accident -- and it worked.
“As we saw with this case, cause of death can make or break a case,” says Burroughs.
Burroughs, now an engineer with FARO Technologies, will return for her second CrimeCon to explain how CSIs and other investigators analyze forensic evidence to reconstruct the events surrounding a victim’s death. “Specifically,” she explains, “we’ll be looking at patterns.”
In the session, attendees will learn how to identify different types of wounds - sharp force vs. blunt force trauma, gunshots, abrasions, etc. - and will focus especially on analyzing blood spatter patterns. “Blood spatter can sometimes tell the entire story of a person’s death,” Burroughs says. “The patterns read like a book when you know what you’re looking for.”
And when attendees walk out of Burroughs’s session at CrimeCon 2020 in Orlando, they will. “The next time you’re watching your favorite murder show, you’ll know a little more about how to read a crime scene and what information the investigator gains from these patterns. From what a cast-off pattern looks like to what kind of weapon was used and how people moved through the scene,” she promises. “We’ll look at photos of different patterns and learn the difference between swipes, wipes, transfers, high-velocity vs. low-velocity impact, and directionality.”
Burroughs, who teaches these concepts and new advancements in crime scene technology to law enforcement agencies across the country, hopes that this information will help attendees develop a slightly more well-trained eye. “Bring your notepad,” she instructs. “It will be graphic, but it will be worth it.”
CrimeCon Returns to London on 7th and 8th June 2025: A Must-Attend Event for True Crime Enthusiasts
Exciting news for true crime aficionados – CrimeCon is making its much-anticipated return to London on 7th and 8th June 2025! As the biggest UK event for those with a passion for the true crime genre, this is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of crime, justice, and investigation, all set in the heart of the UK capital.
CrimeCon UK has built a reputation as the ultimate true crime experience, where enthusiasts, experts, educators and professionals come together to explore high-profile cases, delve into forensic science, and hear from those at the forefront of criminal investigation. 2025 promises to be the best event yet - being more captivating than ever before.
What to Expect at CrimeCon 2025
Building on the enormous success of past years, CrimeCon London 2025 will once again offer attendees exclusive access to leading criminal experts, investigative journalists, detectives, and true crime content creators. With a packed schedule of live panels, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies, this year's event is guaranteed to leave attendees with insights into some of the most talked-about cases and topical true crime themes. Not only this, CrimeCon UK puts victims and advocacy for justice at the heart of the event - making sure that CrimeCon is a platform for every story that needs to be told.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits attendees at CrimeCon 2025:
- Exclusive Interviews and Case Debriefs: Hear directly from those involved in some of the UK’s most intriguing and infamous criminal cases, hearing from those that were directly impacted by criminality.
- Meet Your Favorite True Crime Content Creators: The digital world has revolutionised the true crime genre, and CrimeCon will be bringing top content creators together to discuss their platforms, methods, and deep dives into unsolved mysteries.
- Interactive Exhibits and Forensic Workshops: Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you take part in immersive activities, which have, in the past, included forensic analysis and criminal profiling.
- Q&A Sessions with Experts: Get the chance to ask burning questions to investigators, criminologists, and legal professionals.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're a die-hard true crime fan, a criminal justice professional, or just someone curious about the world of crime-solving, CrimeCon is perfect for you. The event brings together a diverse community of people who share a passion for exploring the darker side of humanity while discussing critical issues of justice and victim advocacy.
For those already familiar with popular crime podcasts, books, and documentaries, this is your chance to engage with the experts and learn more about the complexities behind these stories. CrimeCon offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Secure Your Spot
Tickets for CrimeCon London 2025 are expected to sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours soon. Various ticket packages are be available, offering different levels of access, from basic admission to VIP and Platinum experiences, where you can enjoy perks such as exclusive sessions with speakers, early access to certain events and enhanced event benefits.
To find out more and to book your tickets, click here. Don't miss out on being part of the most thrilling true crime event of the year!
Now is your chance to ensure your favourite true crime content from 2023 is recognised in the TCAs!
VIEWERS' CHOICE: Whether it's your favourite series, documentary film or influencer - make sure you submit your thoughts on your favourite on-screen true crime content today! Remember - only content released in 2023 is eligible and will be counted.
LISTENERS' CHOICE: All True Crime podcasts (that released content that is available in the UK during 2023) are eligible to be nominated so be sure that your go-to true crime podcast is recognised!
READERS' CHOICE:
Which true crime book caught your attention in 2023? As long as it was first published last year then it's eligible to be nominated, so cast your vote today!
Voting is now open and closes on 31st March 2024.
Those with the most votes will be recognised and awarded at the True Crime Awards which is scheduled to take place on 25th April 2024.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 2
AVAILABLE NOW
Damian Barr is joined by Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves to discuss her new novel, The Raging Storm. Lauren Lyle, star of the series Karen Pirie, reveals how she brings the Val McDermid character to life, and, on the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh talks about the ITV crime series and his latest novel, The Long Knives. True crime podcasters (and our very own Nancy Baughen) rate Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood, and crime readers at the Shetland Noir Festival in Lerwick recommend their favourite reads.
If you'd like to catch up and watch this incredible episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, click here.
