CCP Equivocal Death Analysis & Psychological Autopsy 3

Question 1

Which of the following is a core component routinely included in a formal psychological autopsy report?

Accepted Answer

Victim's history of suicidal ideation and prior attempts

Answer

DNA analysis and toxicological findings

Answer

Ballistic trajectory and wound measurement data

Answer

Forensic accounting of the victim's financial records

Question 2

Which finding at a scene would MOST strongly indicate staging rather than a genuine suicide?

Accepted Answer

No blood or biological transfer on the weapon used to inflict the fatal wound

Answer

A handwritten suicide note near the body

Answer

The firearm found in the decedent's dominant hand

Answer

Evidence of recent alcohol consumption by the victim

Question 3

In equivocal death analysis, 'undoing' behavior observed at a crime scene refers to:

Accepted Answer

Post-mortem actions suggesting the offender had a personal relationship with the victim, such as covering the face or cleaning wounds

Answer

A suspect methodically destroying physical evidence before fleeing

Answer

A suspect staging evidence to implicate a third party

Answer

The removal of restraint marks or ligature evidence from the body

Question 4

When conducting a psychological autopsy, interviewees who are generally considered LEAST biased are:

Accepted Answer

Coworkers and acquaintances with limited personal involvement

Answer

The victim's spouse or intimate partner

Answer

The victim's parents or primary caregivers

Answer

The victim's closest friends

Question 5

Gunshot residue (GSR) analysis in equivocal death cases must be interpreted with caution because:

Accepted Answer

GSR can be transferred through secondary contact and its absence does not definitively rule out firing a weapon

Answer

GSR is only deposited on the shooter's dominant hand

Answer

GSR presence always confirms the individual fired the weapon

Answer

GSR dissolves completely within minutes of gunshot discharge

Question 6

Which of the following represents the strongest risk factor combination for completed suicide that a psychological autopsy would seek to document?

Accepted Answer

History of major depressive disorder combined with prior suicide attempts

Answer

Recent job promotion and increased social engagement

Answer

Stable long-term romantic relationship and family support

Answer

Active participation in community and religious organizations

Question 7

The psychological autopsy method was originally developed by which researcher in association with the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Center?

Accepted Answer

Edwin Shneidman

Answer

John Douglas

Answer

Robert Hare

Answer

Ann Burgess