AFTE Store - Cut Window And Door Screens: Which Side Were They Cut From?

As part of an investigation at the residence of a local high profile kidnapping, investigators found a window which had a cut window screen made of typical modern non-metal screen material. With limited physical evidence present at the scene, the investigators submitted the window screen to the laboratory with the request of determining, if possible, which side the screen had been cut from. Since marks left on a cut screen are typically toolmarks, as a Firearms and Toolmarks examiner I was asked to see if a determination could be made as to which side the screen was cut from. It was found that after making numerous test cuts on similar screen material and directly observing these cuts under magnification, and comparing these results with the cuts from the questioned screen, the orientation of the tool (and ultimately, the individual) making the cuts could be established.