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

after a brutal beating , and internal bleeding how long does it take for bruising and and signs of damage in the outside to occur ?? like how many hours could it take if a person is laying there with no help

Asked by kayla almost 6 years ago

That's a good question, that I really can't answer. A pathologist would be much more knowledgeable on that topic. But from personal experience I can say that bruises are funny, and they change over time. It depends how deep the damage is and on the person's chemistry and I think it makes a big difference whether the muscles are tensed or not when hit. Sorry I can't help!

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.

Have you ever seen something so graphic you had to go throw up?

Asked by Kamryn about 6 years ago

Nope. I’m lucky to have a pretty cast iron stomach.

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.

¿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.

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.

If a dad commits suicide while his son is in the passenger seat, is the manner of death for the son considered as homicide? or accident?

Asked by Ritchelle almost 6 years ago

If the father caused the death of the son, then it's homicide. If he didn't know the son was there, it's accident (or maybe manslaughter, I don't know the precise legalities).