American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

What should an investigator do with a diamond ring found on a homicide victim?

1. Remove the ring after photographs and bag it for later viewing

2. Give the ring to family for safekeeping

3. Remove the ring and have next of kin sign a property slip

4. Leave the ring on the victim and document all property

The correct answer is: Leave the ring on the victim and document all property

Leaving the diamond ring on the victim and documenting all property is the appropriate action for an investigator in this scenario. In a homicide investigation, maintaining the integrity of the crime scene is crucial. By doing so, the investigator ensures that evidence is preserved in its original context, which can be vital for understanding the circumstances of the crime. Documenting all property found on the victim—including the diamond ring—is essential for creating a comprehensive record. This documentation can include detailed photographs, notes on the condition of the item, and its exact location on the body. Preserving this evidence helps establish facts pertinent to the investigation, such as potential motives or connections to suspects, and any indications of struggle or other important details that could arise from the context in which the item was found. Removing property from a crime scene, especially before full documentation is made, may lead to contamination or compromise the scene, which can hinder the investigative process and affect the integrity of the evidence in court. This means that actions such as removing the ring for safekeeping or giving it to the family would be inappropriate and could also raise legal concerns regarding the chain of custody. In conclusion, the best practice is to leave the diamond ring on the victim, document its presence and condition thoroughly, and ensure a