Pedología forense: análisis e investigación de suelos en el esclarecimiento de casos delictivos

Abstract

Forensic pedology, a subdiscipline of forensic sciences in charge of the analysis of soils as material evidence in people, objects or other surfaces associated with crime, allows linking or discarding suspects with the crime scene. Due to the different organic and inorganic components of the soil, it has unique characteristics, associating it to a certain geographic space, which is applied in the resolution of cases such as murders, kidnappings or searches for graves. In Ecuador, the Fiscalía General reports a rising crime trend, with increasing numbers of homicides, extortions and kidnappings. The objective was to determine the importance of soils as forensic evidence in the clarification of criminal cases. National crime statistics show that up to May of this year there have been 370 cases of kidnapping in the country, with Guayaquil being the epicenter. Soil applications in forensic investigations describe analytical and instrumental techniques such as SEM, RAMAN, ICP-MS/OES, XRF and FTIR for color comparison, texture determination, particle size, density gradient methods and estimation of organic and inorganic matter, highlighting the spectroscopies to be optimal and accurate for characterization and identification of geological samples. Despite being a little used evidence, soil shows potential value in the resolution of crimes; forensic pedology can be a great tool to clarify criminal acts, such as kidnappings, in the Ecuadorian justice system that according to the COIP in its art.161 and art.162 is punishable by 5 to 7 years in prison and up to 10 to 13 years respectively.