Author Jennifer Chase

When is a Crime Scene Staged?

Posted on October 15, 2011 by jchasenovelist

There are many reasons why a crime scene has been staged. The most difficult task is to recognize some of the subtle appearances to indicate that a crime scene has been indeed staged. Fires are an example of a type of potential staged crime scene; it’s usually to cover up a previous crime that had been committed such as murder or insurance purposes for profit.

Every detective or forensic investigator must use their own objective skills along with experience to determine if a crime scene as been staged. It’s important to preserve all evidence and document everything in proper order. Notes, sketches, and photographs are extremely helpful to help determine staged crime scenes.

These signs from burglary and/or homicide investigations should alert detectives that something is potentially suspicious:

No sign of a forced entry
Forced entry is clearly evident
No search for any valuables is apparent
No items have been stolen
Only one particular item has been stolen
Drawers have been pulled out and dumped to make it look like “ransacked” (out of ordinary) appearance
Drawers have been pulled out carefully and neatly stacked in order to protect certain items
Victim had life insurance
Victim’s death was profitable for family members other than life insurance

To simply illustrate what a staged crime looks like, investigators must look for any evidence that appears like it doesn’t belong.

Points of Entry

This is the most common staged crime scene element, usually an open or broken window. Examine these areas closely and determine whether or not it’s plausible or if there are other trace evidence such as blood, fingerprints, broken glass, etc.

Weapons Left or Removed

A firearm is the most common staged crime scene weapon. Was this weapon left initially? Did it cause the injury? What’s its purpose? Position? Types of injuries?

Movement of Body

One of the least common staged elements is the movement of the body to a secondary crime scene. Examine the clothing, shoes, bloodstains, and hair of the victim to determine if the body has been moved and why. Rigor mortis (stiffening of joints), livor mortis (pooling of blood), blood and trace evidence, along with any type of drag marks can help assist the investigator to determine if the body has been moved.

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Books: Compulsion Dead Game Dark Mind Dead Burn Dark Pursuit Silent Partner Screenwriting

Posted in crime, Forensic | Tagged author jennifer chase, compulsion, crime fiction, dead game, staged crime scene, thrillers | 5 Comments

31 Things That Scare Me

Posted on October 14, 2011 by jchasenovelist

It’s Friday and I wanted to have a little fun! Who said criminologists don’t have a sense of humor? I want names…

I thought in keeping with the upcoming October holiday season with Halloween rapidly approaching, I would list some things that frighten me.

Just in case you were wondering what scares a thriller writer…

Here’s my frightening list in random order:

1. People text messaging when they drive.

2. Cleaning the cat litter box.

3. Men who wear socks with sandals.

4. People with two first names.

5. Children that know more about technology than I do.

6. Beets, Brussell sprouts, and kale.

7. The rapidly increasing size of the ordinary garden gopher.

8. Ambient temperatures over 75 degrees.

9. Rats in the attic.

10. Actually knowing the words to many 80s songs.

11. Not getting enough sleep.

12. Hearing someone following me on my nature walk, but finding out nobody’s there and it was just my imagination.

13. Feeling completely comfortable reading and studying serial killers and crime scenes.

14. Not being able to buy new shoes.

15. Bees.

16. Enjoying television reruns.

17. Knowing when the phone is about to ring.

18. Thinking that superheroes are forensic scientists and cold case detectives.

19. Relating to Sigourney Weaver’s character “Helen Hudson” in the 1995 movie Copycat.

20. Cooking, cleaning, and weeding.

21. Not enough hours in the day.

22. People who don’t like black dogs or black cats.

23. The increasing number of endangered species lists.

24. People without a sense of humor.

25. Predatory people looking for child victims.

26. Fast food French fries having a shelf life of 100 years or more.

27. Absolutely one hundred and ten percent can’t live without watching or reading spine tingling thrillers, terrifying horror, and spooky science fiction.

28. Feeling comfortable in my own shoes.

29. Not knowing what’s around every corner.

30. Making this scary list.

31. Not being able to write everyday.

Notice how I didn’t say taking a shower alone at a deserted motel….

So, what scares you?

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Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting

Posted in Writing | Tagged award winning author and criminologist jennifer chase, crime fiction, emily stone series, Halloween, what scares you | 2 Comments

Missouri Baby Now Missing for a Week

Posted on October 12, 2011 by jchasenovelist

A couple in Missouri is experiencing what is certainly every parent’s worst nightmare as their baby girl has now been missing for a week. Lisa Irwin’s father discovered that she was not in her crib when he returned from work around 4:00am last Monday night. Authorities have searched around 300 residences in the area, as well as a landfill and creek, but there are still no signs of the ten-month-old girl.

Even though Jeremy Irwin came home to the unusual discovery of his front door unlocked and many of the lights on inside the home, police officers are looking at evidence that an intruder entered through a bedroom window and appears to have abducted baby Lisa.

Kansas City Police Captain Steve Young had expressed concern several days ago that the parents had stopped cooperating with the investigation, which both parents deny, but reports that they are now working with police once again. Of course, this detail has led many in the court of public opinion to have suspicions about possible involvement by the mom or dad. In fact, a recent news report states that the mom expects to be arrested because the police continue to focus on her possible involvement.

If it turns out that a stranger did take Lisa Irwin and her parents are simply overwhelmed and desperate with grief, then this added pain of accusation must be difficult to bear. If the parents played a role in whatever has happened to Lisa, then I hope justice will be served as needed. In any case, it is best not to jump to conclusions and to let the police do their work.

More important right now than who took Lisa Irwin is getting her home safe. Once that happens, then the legal system can do its job and hand out the deserved consequences.

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Posted in crime | Tagged author jennifer chase, child abducution, crime, crime fiction, kansas city, lisa irwin | 3 Comments

What Scares You?

Posted on October 10, 2011 by jchasenovelist

I enjoyed scary movies growing up, basically anything with a tormented monster intent on revenge or some crazed guy wielding an ax. I was one of those fearless little kids never afraid of the dark. I had to be because I had two older brothers that tried to torment me by jumping out of closets or acting like they were possessed zombies.

I think there’s an idea for a horror story somewhere in there…

Even today, I almost hate to admit it, but I enjoy the millionth sequel of Halloween and Friday the 13^th. Most of my family and friends just roll their eyes at me. I do like the psychological thriller with some added paranormal flair like The Ring or 1408. It makes me shudder and smile at the same time.

You’d think that I’d be a horror writer, but the crime thriller definitely called my name. Who knows, I may write a horror novel in the future.

There is a definite horror element to Compulsion and Dead Game with a serial killer on the loose. I think that’s very scary. It’s the unstable psychological aspect of an unknown person that fantasizes, stalks, captures, and then murders unsuspecting victims that is truly frightening to me.

You ask yourself:

Who will be the next victim?

Will the police catch them in time?

Will the next victim be able to escape?

Who is the actual killer?

I approach some of my more intense and frightening chapters on how I would feel alone in the dark with someone chasing me and help wasn’t available or just too far away. It’s that feeling of terror that overcomes you where you find it difficult to concentrate because you’re scared out of your wits. Your pulse rises and your heart is pounding in your ears, perspiration is nonstop on your hands and forehead, and you’re not sure whether or not you’re going to faint.

When I lived next door to a very unstable psychopath that threatened to kill me on a regular basis, I had many scary encounters for more than two years. I’m sure this experience has helped to shape my imagination for my novels.

Here’s an example…

One morning, I pulled my car out of the garage and realized that I forgot something back in the house. I went back inside through the garage and when I returned my neighbor was standing in the middle of my garage with an ax in his hand ranting about the leaves from my tree scattered all over his deck.

Yeah, I know, it’s like something straight out of a slasher movie.

I had a few options… run, stand my ground, or just pray that I wouldn’t be a homicide victim. I stood my ground and remained calm. The situation was diffused and he returned to his house until the next encounter.

Whew…

So what scares you?

What’s your favorite scary book or movie?

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Posted in Compulsion, Dead Game, Writing | Tagged award winning author and criminologist jennifer chase, compulsion, crime fiction, dead game, horror, thrillers, what scares you | 4 Comments

Celebrate the Scariest Month with a FREE Kindle Copy of COMPULSION

Posted on October 7, 2011 by jchasenovelist

I love October! It’s fall and the holidays are just around the corner. It’s also a perfect time to read a thriller.

Compulsion

When Serial Killers Terrorize a California Beach Community,

One Woman Stands in Their Way

Emily Stone doesn’t have a badge. But that hasn’t stopped her from tracking down some of the West’s most dangerous child-killers. Armed with a digital SLR camera, laptop computer and her trusty Beretta, Stone uses her innate gift for detective work to identify the perps—and then anonymously e-mail the evidence to the cops.

Now, the hunt for two brazen serial killers on the loose right in her own coastal California town threatens to expose Stone’s identity—unraveling her carefully constructed cover and jeopardizing her life’s work. But when she gets too close to the action, this razor-sharp hunter becomes the hunted. Cooperating with the handsome local police detective could be the only hope for stopping the rampage directed at unsuspecting young women—and saving herself. Can they piece together the clues in time?

Compulsion mixes CSI-style investigation with a ripped-from-the-headlines plot and a dose of romance for a keeps-you-guessing, fast-paced and savvy thriller, right up until the shocking finale.

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Get your FREE copy of Compulsion! It’s simple, here’s all you need to do:

1. Leave your email address in the comment section of this post or send me an email through the contact section above.

2. Tell your friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, or through your blog (not mandatory, but much appreciated).

3. This offer lasts until Sunday, October 16, 2011.

Don’t worry if you don’t have an Amazon Kindle, you can download FREE Kindle reading software for PC, Mac, Android, iphone, and iPAD.

Enjoy the read!

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Posted in Compulsion, Serial Killers | Tagged award winning author jennifer chase, compulsion, crime fiction, emily stone series, free copy of compulsion, thrillers | 19 Comments

The Impact of Steve Jobs in the World of Criminal Justice

Posted on October 7, 2011 by jchasenovelist

With the sad passing of Apple founder Steve Jobs this week, condolences and stories of his impact have been coming in from across the world. At Apple stores from New York City to Tokyo, people have left notes sharing how much the products created by Jobs have affected their lives. Commentators are marveling at the entrepreneurial spirit that he possessed and used to change the world—the way we listen to music, communicate, work, read, and share news are all different because of Steve Jobs. Even the smallest of children have Steve Jobs to thank for great movies like the Toy Story series due to his association with Pixar Studios.

As I thought about Steve Jobs and the work he leaves behind, I spent some time reflecting on the important role that he played in my field of passion, criminology. Just think about how many members of law enforcement are now being issued accessories like an iPad to have maps and photographs and police records at their fingertips. The iPhone changed mobile transmission of data and allowed for communication that far exceeded the walkie-talkies of generations past. His innovations with Ethernet and providing servers for the World Wide Web changed the way that students studied psychology and criminal behavior, allowing for greater dialogue and exchange of information between the rising leaders in these fields.

No matter your chosen profession, I imagine that you can think of some way that Steve Jobs and the products he designed have affected how you do your work. It’s rare that someone comes along who affects both our professional and our play time in such a fundamental way. We can only wonder now what else he would have contributed if given more time. But, there seems to be no doubt that he made the most of the time he was here.

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Posted in crime, Criminology | Tagged apple founder, author jennifer chase, crime, criminal justice, law enforcement, steve jobs | 1 Comment

Out & About Magazine — October 2011

Posted on October 6, 2011 by jchasenovelist

I’ve been enjoying writing my monthly column for Out & About Magazine. Not only is it a wonderful resource for local Monterey Bay residences in California, but there are great articles about food, finance, books, and theater for everyone to enjoy!

Check out Out & About Magazine online: digital version or pdf file.

This month on pages 14 – 15 you will find my book review of The Sixth Man by David Baldacci. And don’t forget the crime safety tips and websites for more helpful information.

Enjoy!

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