Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientist

LIsa Black

Cape Coral, FL

Female, 49

I spent the five happiest years of my life in a morgue. As a forensic scientist in the Cleveland coroner’s office I analyzed gunshot residue on hands and clothing, hairs, fibers, paint, glass, DNA, blood and many other forms of trace evidence, as well as crime scenes. Now I'm a certified latent print examiner and CSI for a police department in Florida. I also write a series of forensic suspense novels, turning the day job into fiction. My books have been translated into six languages.

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Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

¿qo? ?no? ???l no? op

Asked by uu?W?W p???p almost 6 years ago

Weird--that looks fine in my email but is distorted on this site.

I found my finance on the floor but his legs were bent perfect and his knees together on top of each other. How is that possible? I'm thinking someone killed him

Asked by Shell almost 6 years ago

That's quite possible, the body reacts with the fetal position to many circumstances. I responded to a fatal traffic accident--it actually happened right in front of me--and the victim was thrown from the truck, and that's exactly how I found her. However, bodies and causes of death are really questions for a pathologist.

What would you suspect the average IQ of a criminal is? What are some of the dumbest and smartest you have dealt with?

Asked by Carlene about 6 years ago

I don’t even know what my IQ is. It’s hard to judge stupidity, since most crimes seem really stupid if you look at the benefits versus the risks. And if the criminals were brilliant, ideally, they could keep anyone from knowing a crime was even committed. Most murders are not premeditated—an argument gets out of control, so suddenly the killer has to figure out what to do, this is a situation they didn’t expect, and they’re highly agitated, so they don’t do a great job of covering up. And then more intentional crimes, burglary, vehicle theft, drug dealing—well, if they were smart, they’d get into more lucrative lines of work.

You have been asked to rush DNA testing for a homicide case. What information would you request before deciding if you think the testing should take priority over other cases? What ethical framework would you use to help make your decision?

Asked by Albus about 6 years ago

At my agency we send all DNA testing to the state lab. We can give them the scenario of our crime and ask them to rush testing, but how they decide to handle their casework is entirely up to them.

Is it possible to detect K2 sprayed/soaked on paper with a UV/ Black light flashlight?

Asked by Nick over 5 years ago

I’m sorry but I’m not familiar with what K2 is.

What do you think of Ms. Maxwell? Just whatever you think

Asked by Jim about 6 years ago

I’m sorry but to be honest, I haven’t thought of her at all. I don’t know any more about the case than you do—probably considerably less—and I’m not aware of the relevant forensic evidence. And like most I’ve had many more immediately personal issues to hold my attention in recent months so I’m afraid I can’t help you.

What do you think of the doomsday cult guy that I just killed his wife maybe he killed his kid something like that what do you think of that case? Been watching too much for TV LOL

Asked by Nero almost 6 years ago

I'm not aware of that case.