Chapter 11: Forensic Geology in the Courtroom! Could the Killer Be My Father?

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“How is it possible that they still can’t identify what these evidence particles are?” Shen Ting stared incredulously at the forensic report. In his experience, forensic experts from the police department—while not omnipotent—could generally identify trace evidence from a crime scene with relative ease. Yet, from the victim’s body in this case, especially from the wounds and cross-sections of the body fragments, the suspicious particles collected remained unidentified.

Using tools like electronic microprobes and infrared spectrometers, these particles were basically classified into two categories: one type was highly complex, containing proteins, grease, salts, and so on, but present in very small quantities. The technicians did not dare to perform destructive tests that might alter their physical or chemical properties. The other type was just the opposite—common glass. But precisely because glass is ubiquitous, its exact source could not be pinpointed.

Guan Hongfeng said, “From what the technicians imply, if there’s no progress in the investigation, they plan to report to the Dajing Public Security Bureau and request that higher-level experts be sent to assist with the identification.”

Tang Ren exclaimed, “Damn, this is some lousy tech! They can’t even identify a few particles?”

Forensic Qin Ming replied, “You can’t say that so bluntly! There is definitely a gap in forensic capabilities at different police levels. Equipment, the examiners’ skills—all vary. It’s normal to call in higher-level experts when difficulties arise.”

Detective Qin Feng added, “The key point is, as far as I can tell from the analysts’ report, they’ve already been very thorough. They’ve done everything they can. The problem is that those particles are either too complex or too common. It’s just impossible to determine their precise origins. The next step—bringing in specialists in the relevant fields—is entirely normal procedure.”

KikO asked, “So what do we do now? Wait for news from the investigation team to see if they find new clues at the crime scene? Or wait for the forensic experts to bring in more skilled technicians? Or should we continue combing through information ourselves? ( •̥́ ˍ •̀ू )”

Shen Ting frowned slightly. He neither wanted to sit idly by nor bore himself sifting through data.

“Maybe I can try identifying those particles myself?”

Strictly speaking, it was more about analysis than identification, since the instrument-based physical and chemical data had already been obtained by the forensic team.

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Now what was needed was to use that data to pinpoint the precise source of the particles.

Shen Ting glanced at the skills menu in his private window, scanning through the available abilities. His gaze settled on a skill called “Forensic Geology.”

Forensic Geology studies various minerals—and the preliminary conclusion from the forensic experts was that both types of particles were certain minerals.

“Should I unlock it?” Shen Ting hesitated only a few seconds. “Yes!”

Isn’t this exactly what the initial ten skill points from the system were for?

“Unlock Forensic Geology!”

[Ten skill points consumed. Skill unlocked successfully!]

[Forensic Geology description: Soil is composed of various rocks, minerals, sediments, and so on. Artificial particles such as plastics, concrete, metal fragments, bricks, as well as fibers and pigments, often mix into the soil. These substances increase the soil’s uniqueness. Just as no two fingerprints are exactly alike, no two soil samples are 100% identical—not even artificially. Forensic Geology uses this uniqueness as its research foundation, based on local material exchange laws, to study suspects' movements, the location of the primary crime scene, the site where bodies were disposed of, and more.]

With the skill unlocked, Shen Ting quickly absorbed the core knowledge of Forensic Geology: how to use polarizing microscopes, X-ray diffraction instruments, scanning electron microscopes to identify geological materials; how to isolate individual particles from samples and recognize their features; how to quickly find rare and representative minerals—all covered.

“The technicians in Chaoyang really are rough around the edges,” he muttered.

As he digested the information, the forensic procedures seemed riddled with flaws in his eyes.

He examined the identification results of the two types of evidence particles again.

The infrared spectra and electron microscopy energy spectra, once indecipherable lines, instantly became clear.

“The first type, the more numerous particles, are indeed common glass. But judging by the spectra, it’s not ordinary glass. It’s glass particles produced by a copper smelting plant!”

In raw copper smelting, glass is added as an oxidizer to help remove iron and sulfur from copper ore more easily. The glass particles generated are released through the smelter’s chimney into the air, eventually settling into the soil and becoming unique soil components.

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These glass particles look similar to ordinary glass but their composition and characteristic points are determined by the smelting process and the properties of the copper ore itself, giving them distinctive features.

“Interesting! The Chaoyang copper smelter has been shut down for over ten years. I didn’t expect it to come up in this case.”

The Chaoyang copper smelter was originally concentrated in the southern area—Shen Ting’s home village, Shenjia Village, lies there.

Since the murderer’s axe contained many of these glass particles, it’s highly likely they reside in the southern region!

However, the southern part of Chaoyang is quite large with a dense population...

Shen Ting frowned again, turning to the data on the second type of particles.

“These particles seem to consist of proteins, oils, and mud... but they appear more like contaminants on the particles’ surfaces. If we remove the spectral influence of these substances, the core composition might actually be—solid salt brine particles?!”

Shen Ting was stunned.

Salt brine is the residual liquid left after seawater or salt lake water is evaporated for salt production, crystallizing upon cooling.

Chaoyang doesn’t produce salt brine!

The key point is that this type of salt brine is most commonly used in tofu making.

Brine tofu involves dissolving solid salt brine in water and then coagulating soy milk with it.

Shen Ting knew this process intimately—his family makes tofu.

He often watched Old Shen chop a big block of solid salt brine into smaller pieces, dissolve them in a large vat of water.

When coagulating the soy milk, he’d stir it constantly while carefully adding brine bit by bit with a red ladle.

Moreover, tofu production naturally produces proteins and soy oil, which would explain the amino acids and grease stains on the salt brine particles’ surfaces.

Recalling this process, and that Shenjia Village is in southern Chaoyang, Shen Ting’s scalp tingled.

“Hmm? Could it be... the murderer is... Old Shen himself?”