19 – Idaho Killings: Investigators Focus On Sedan, Use 3D Laser Scanning

Idaho Killings: Investigators Focus On Sedan, Use 3D Laser Scanning

Solving the Case

Investigators on the case involving the killing of four students from the University of Idaho have been analyzing a lot of data, trying to look for a driver who may have critical information regarding the case.

Investigators have been going through 22,000 registered Hyundai Elantras to find one driver they believe has vital information about the case.

Video evidence shows footage from the Moscow gas station, which highlights the vehicle speeding off on November 13.

The testimony from the assistant manager at the gas station concludes that she saw the white car speed by at about 3.45 am, the day the college students were found dead after what appears to be stabbings. The students were killed just a few blocks from their homes.

How Investigators Are Using 3D Laser Scanning

In addition to witness testimony and video evidence, investigators are now using 3D laser scans to help them reveal more about the murders. The 3D laser scanner helps investigators map out precise locations of evidence to add to the overall picture and capture a complete record of the state of the crime scene. 

Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) scanning is a 3D scanning that uses lasers to capture detailed 3D data of objects, buildings, and landscapes.

Lidar scanners emit laser beams and measure the time it takes for the rays to bounce back after hitting a surface. By measuring the distance between the scanner and the surface, the scanner can build up a detailed 3D map or point cloud of the surrounding environment.

This 3D laser scanning can help investigators with crime scenes in several ways. For one, it allows investigators to capture high-resolution, accurate 3D data of the crime scene quickly and efficiently.

This data can be used to create detailed 3D models and other digital representations of the scene, which can help investigators understand the layout and spatial relationships between different elements, such as the position of objects and any physical evidence that may be present.

Another benefit of 3D scanning services is that they can be used to scan burned bodies, which can be shared with other investigation team members, such as forensic experts or detectives. This can help team members a better understanding of the scene and can be especially useful for cases where the crime scene is large or difficult to access.

3D scanning, including Lidar, is a powerful tool for crime scene investigators. It allows them to capture and analyze detailed 3D data of the crime scene, helping them to understand better the events that took place and identify potential leads.