Name _________________________ Period _______

The Laney Simpson Case: Hair Identification and Comparison

Part I – Identification of Characteristics of Hair Control Samples

Instructions: While viewing a hair control sample under the microscope, identify and record its
characteristics. Take a clear photograph of it at 100X magnification and insert the photo in the data table.

Characteristics of Hair Control Samples

Sample Photograph Color Medulla Pattern Estimated

Medullary
Index
Laney

Simpson

Rebecca

Simpson

Jason

Simpson

Thomas

Simpson

Peter

Wainwright

Peter
Wainwright’s
Dog

Andrew

Binghamton

Andrew
Binghamton’s
Cat
Part II – Identification of Characteristics of Crime Scene Hair

Instructions: While viewing a crime scene hair under the microscope, identify and record its characteristics.
Take a clear photograph of it at 100X magnification and insert the photo in the data table.

Characteristics of Crime Scene Hair

Sample Photograph Color Medulla Pattern Estimated

Medullary
Index
Hair on

Pillow

Hair on

Fitted
Mattress
Sheet

Hair on

Floor below
Window

Hair on

Floor of
Work Van

Hair #1 on

Laney
Simpson’s
Body

Hair #2 on

Laney
Simpson’s
Body
Part III – Comparison of Control Samples with Crime Scene Hair

Instructions: Compare the characteristics and photographs of the control samples with the characteristics
and photographs of the crime scene hair. Similar characteristics between a control sample and a crime
scene hair indicate a possible association of that crime scene hair with that person or animal. Record who
may, potentially, be the source for each crime scene hair.

Association of Crime Scene Hair based on Characteristics

Crime Scene Sample Possible Source(s)

Hair on Pillow

Hair on Fitted Mattress Sheet

Hair on Floor below Window

Hair on Floor of Work Van

Hair #1 on Laney Simpson’s Body

Hair #2 on Laney Simpson’s Body