Forensic science played an important role in the Oklahoma City bombing. On April 19th, 1995 approximately at 9:02 AM a bomb detonated in front of the Murrah Federal Building. They used a rented van that contained fertilizer and other explosives. The two culprits were Timothy McVeigh and his accomplice Terry Nichols. The explosion left 168 people dead and more than 680 injured. The investigators gathered evidence and other information. They searched the debris and found parts of the back of the rented van. They discovered an identification number. This number lead to the van rental company. The individuals at the van rental company drew …show more content…
a picture and were able to identify the culprits. The FBI had a lead. They showed the drawing all over town and hotel employees identified the man as Tim McVeigh. The investigators used looked for every clue such as items used or clothes worn at the time of the incident. This proves that forensic science had a huge impact on this major crime.
Without forensic science, individuals would not be able to find any evidence.
The investigators found Pentaerythritol tetranitrate on two of his t-shirts, and his jeans. Pentaerythritol tetranitrate is an explosive compound found in bombings. The use of forensics helped find the evidence. The investigators were also able to find McVeigh’s knife and knifes sheath, which had traces of pentaerythritol tetranitrate. The examiners found pieces from the inside of the rental truck. The debris from the back of the truck tested positive with explosive compounds. This proves that forensic science had a huge impact on this major crime.
Forensic science has helped solve crimes and bring many lives to justice.
Timothy McVeigh was sentenced to death. Terry Nichols was sentenced to life in prison. All the evidence that was gathered together was used to prove that Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols guilty. For example the searching of the debris helped put the lives of hundreds to justice. This proves that forensic science helped solve crimes and bring justice to many families who lost loved ones.
Forensic science has been used in many
cases