Police were called to investigate a residential dwelling following concern from neighbours about the repeated barking of a pet dog. Upon arrival they noticed signs of forced entry and secured the scene for forensic examination. Crime scene examiners attended immediately and upon more complete inspection located one female deceased (believed to be the owner/occupier of the household). The deceased had what appeared to be a single gunshot wound. Crime scene officers documented and photographed the scene and took impressions of toolmarks associated with the point of entry, broken glass, and shoemarks from the perimeter and interior of the scene. A handgun was located in undergrowth in a neighbouring property. This exhibit was uplifted and fingerprints from the grip and barrel were taken. These areas were also swabbed for contact DNA evidence. The impression evidence and fingerprint evidence were examined at the State physical evidence laboratory. DNA swabs from the handgun, as well as other samples of biological evidence from the deceased and her property were submitted to the State DNA analysis facility. Later that evening a suspect was apprehended by Police following an anonymous report from a member of the public. Whilst in custody the suspect was submitted to a medical examination which included the taking of fingerprints, and swabs for DNA. Items on clothing and personal effects were also taken, including the suspects shoes for comparison with the shoemark evidence from the crime scene. Following preliminary investigative and forensic work the suspect was placed under arrest and will stand trial on home invasion/homicide charges. The suspect has a plausible alibi and circumstantial forensic evidence will be critical to resolving this matter as to their guilt or innocence.
