The Forensic Doctor Better Than a Detective

For a cylindrical crane arm like this, if a rope had been wrapped around it for pulling, the topmost part would have been under the heaviest load and would show the most wear.

However, the lower part, due to obstruction and limited viewing angle, is difficult to observe in full detail.

Just as everyone was puzzled and looking at each other in confusion, Jiang An raised his hand to point at the crane arm: "Everyone, please look at this position on the crane arm."

"There are obvious marks left by long-term rope compression. Judging from the shape and extent of the marks, the rope should have been hanging for quite some time, possibly months ago—everyone, pay attention to the edges of the marks and the grooves inside, which have already gathered a thin, even layer of dust."

"Impressive, truly impressive!"

Someone among the on-site investigation personnel couldn’t help but lowly exclaim in admiration.

An older investigator in the team looked puzzled and couldn’t help interjecting, "But...when we arrived at the scene immediately upon receiving the report, we carefully inspected this crane and found no similar marks.

I remember very clearly, at that time the deceased was quietly lying here, there was neither any rope around nor any pulling objects."

His tone mixed astonishment with a bit of dissatisfaction, as if he wanted to further explain the details of the initial investigation.

However, before he could finish speaking, Mr. Chen had already solemnly raised his hand to stop him, signaling them to step back.

"No need to say more. It was precisely because the initial scene investigation was not thorough enough and the process was rushed that key evidence was overlooked, and the entire direction of the case investigation temporarily deviated off-track."

A few investigators listened, looked embarrassed, exchanged glances, and silently retreated to the periphery of the crowd.

In criminal investigation work, scene investigation is always the first and most critical step.

The traces and physical evidence left at the scene are the most original and authentic basis for solving the case. If there is slight negligence or improper method during investigation, important clues may be missed, and in severe cases, certain fragile traces may completely disappear over time.

Once evidence is lost in subsequent steps, investigators can hardly trace back to confirm whether it existed, much less judge its position and form—such loss is often irreversible.

"The above is my preliminary observation so far."

Jiang An brought the topic back to the present, still speaking in a calm and cautious tone, "However, although the marks on the crane arm indeed resulted from long-term hanging, we must still cautiously consider its relevance to this case."

"The existence of the marks itself is an objective fact, but whether it is directly related to the case before us, whether it belongs to the same time-space background actions—this is the core problem we need to delve into and verify next."

Upon hearing Jiang An maintain such rigor and humility, Director Hou couldn’t help but nod slightly.

A preliminary judgment had already formed in his mind.

To him, the key task at this moment is not to rush to conclusions; instead, it’s important to first fix this newly discovered mark using standardized methods and place it within the overall context of the case to make scientific, rational, and logical interpretations.

Only after strict correlation verification can this clue truly transform into an effective pivot point to break through the case.

He then turned to Mr. Chen, speaking solemnly, "Mr. Chen, just now Mr. Jiang discovered key trace evidence on the scene, which might have a significant impact on our subsequent investigative direction."

I believe we must conduct in-depth analysis and technical examination of this evidence, utilizing scientific methods to determine its relevance to the case.

Based on this, we can integrate existing clues for discussion, and upon returning to the bureau, organize a special meeting for thorough analysis."

Mr. Chen listened, nodded slightly, and responded in a deep tone, "Indeed, I completely agree. The appearance of this evidence certainly requires our utmost attention, and we cannot overlook any possibility."

At this moment, Director Hou stepped forward concernedly observing the scene.

"Mr. Jiang, let me also go up to examine the specific situation."

Upon hearing this, Jiang An steadily descended from the inspection ladder, turned sideways and guided, "Director Hou, please look at this position."

With a sharp look, Director Hou swiftly climbed the ladder.

The urgency came partially because the case had unveiled an unexpected twist.

Originally, he leaned towards a judgment of accidental death, but the new evidence transformed the nature of the case fundamentally, shaking him internally and prompting questions: What clue could cause such a 180-degree turn in the case?

On the other hand, Jiang An’s keen observational skills and professionalism exhibited during the investigation also prompted his silent admiration—such meticulous investigation capabilities are not typical of general police officers.

After climbing the ladder, Director Hou focused his observation for a moment, then slowly nodded, speaking in a solemn tone, "From current observations, this position indeed holds substantial investigative value and should be the key target of our future study."

The hanging marks here are quite unusual, if combined with the pull damage shape on the deceased’s neck for comprehensive analysis, it could likely form a key mechanical hanging point.

This might provide critical evidence to explain the formation mechanism of the deceased’s posture and injury."

At this moment, Mr. Chen did not personally go ahead for inspection.

On one hand, the preliminary judgment of Director Hou and Jiang An had already aligned, and the on-site evidence was relatively clear, temporarily alleviating his need to confirm himself;

On the other, his mind had turned to another more crucial question—if this was indeed the hanging point of strangulation, then how did the deceased die? Was it hanging during life, or was the corpse hung here after death?

If it were hanging during life, it most likely constitutes suicide.

But if it truly was suicide, logically the construction site would not have a need to conceal it—suicide normally doesn’t involve compensation for work injury, and the site doesn’t need to bear related responsibility.

Then why is there a sign of concealment?

Could there be a possibility of murder behind it?

Is it a criminal case disguised as suicide?

At this thought, Mr. Chen’s brow suddenly tightened, his gaze deepened.

He turned to Jiang An beside him, asking, "Mr. Jiang, if this is the hanging point, is there a possibility the corpse was hung here post-mortem, deliberately creating a suicide facade to fraudulently obtain compensation from the site?"

Jiang An hearing this lightly shook his head, "Mr. Chen, although we have indeed found hanging marks here, the possibility of ’corpse hanging post-mortem,’ I consider unlikely."

"Not corpse hanging post-mortem, could it truly be suicide?" Mr. Chen probed further.

Jiang An did not directly deny, instead starting from the evidence slowly unfolded analysis: "Mr. Chen, Director Hou, do you remember, among the series of photos taken during the on-site investigation, there’s one detail that’s extremely crucial—the deceased’s chest-front clothes are marked with some semi-dried sticky drip markings."

At this point, an experienced investigator beside took the cue: "Yes, we noticed it at that time too.

The deceased’s chest-front indeed showed a small amount of similar sticky substance, some speculated it might have accidentally stained during corpse transportation."

Jiang An waved his hand, explaining earnestly, "No, it doesn’t resemble adhesions formed during transportation."

"Judging by shape and position, it more aligns with liquid marks naturally flowing from the oral cavity and dripping downwards due to gravity."

"When a person is in a hanging state, due to posture changes and neck pressure, saliva often uncontrollably flows out from the mouth corners, dripping onto the chest clothing—this precisely serves as a critical physiological manifestation of ’hanging during life.’"

"Hanging during life!"

As soon as the words fell, Director Hou, Mr. Chen along with the surrounding officers showed expressions mixed with perplexity and contemplation.

In everyone’s mind, the same query unbidden appeared: If indeed it was hanging during life, why the disguise?

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