AFTE Store - Case Study: Identification of Axe Tool Marks on Human Bone

This article details the procedures surrounding the examination of a number of suspected swords and an axe to determine whether or not any were the source of toolmarks on a homicide victim. Numerous test marks were created on various media; and wax was found to be very controllable and suitable. After conducting a thorough forensic analysis, comparison, and evaluation, the recovered axe was identified as the source of the questioned toolmark on the left knee bone of the victim.