Bloodstains Point to Killer

Molly Wright, aged 73, was bludgeoned to death in her home on September 27, 2006. Soon thereafter, Ms. Wright's son-in-law and business partner, David Hill, was charged with her murder. Hill claimed that he discovered Wright on her kitchen floor and that he attempted to revive her.

At trial, Bloodstain Pattern Expert (BPE) Samantha Warna testified that evidence of blood spatter was located on the shoes, jeans, and denim jacket that Hill was wearing at the time Hill stated he found Ms. Wright. Further, Warna testified that the distribution and condition of Wright's blood on Hill's clothing was consistent with repeated blows with a heavy object. On the basis of her Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA), Warna stated that the blood spatter could not be accounted for with David Hill's version of events. Hill was convicted.

Analyze the case and report your findings. In your analysis, discuss the importance of BPE Warna's testimony and what type of blood evidence may be located on an assailant who bludgeons someone to death.