Anthropological identification of a suspect based on traces of footprints: A case study

Abstract

In the field of forensics, one of the most crucial tasks for a criminal investigator is suspect identification. Among various anthropometric features, the dimensions of the foot, particularly its length and width, hold significant value in establishing a person’s identity. This paper aims to introduce a methodology designed for identifying individuals based on shoeprints left at crime scenes. The methodology is exemplified through a real case study involving bloody shoeprints, which served as a pivotal clue in a homicide investigation. The methods and findings of this study can serve as a framework to be used in similar cases.