Toolmark Examination

Tools also leave unique marks that can provide important clues in linking a suspect to a crime. The photo on the right is a split screen comparison of copper wires cut by a wire cutter found in the possession of a burglary suspect. The test cut on the right matches the evidence cut from the crime scene.
A maul recovered from a burglary suspect is compared against the indentation left in the victim's doorjamb.
The maul fits the indentation perfectly, providing local investigators with evidence to charge the suspect in the burglary.