The Cooper's Furnace Killer

Body Found at Cooper’s Furnace

Angelica Shannon D.S.W. , Jordan Burge M.S.F.S. , Jahidi Solomon FOP, Christian Mauldin BFor.Od.

Department of Forensics and Forensic Pathology

Case Summary: An 18-year old white male was discovered by a hiker on the Cooper’s Furnace Hiking Trail in Bartow County at 5:30 pm. He was bound with rope and partially covered with leaves. Officers also found a tire iron nearby that is believed to have been the murder weapon.

The body was found by a passing hiker. They then proceeded to call 911. The first officer arrived at the scene at 5:40 pm. After securing the scene, investigators proceeded to take multiple photographs of the scene. Evidence collected included: the victim, multiple hairs, a red fiber, and a tire iron.

Results and Discussion: Upon field examination, the body, later identified as Carl Grimes, was in the beginning stages of lividity and rigor mortis with only the face and neck becoming rigid. Further examination revealed a lone hair in the hand of the victim. The tire iron was found to have traces of blood and a cluster of fibers caught in its middle portion.

The body was then sent to the forensic pathologist for an autopsy to determine the cause and mechanism of death. The pathologist concluded that the cause of death was a homicide caused by blunt force trauma to the upper-left portion of the skull.

This led to cranial fracturing, cerebral lacerations and eventually intracerebral hemorrhaging, which ultimately led to the victim’s death. The pathologist also concluded that the time of death was approximately 12:00pm. This was determined through examination of the state of the body at the time of discovery.

Several witnesses claimed that the victim was last seen walking southeast on Old River Road at approximately 11:45 am. The police have named several suspects that were placed on the hiking trail around the time of the homicide.

The police immediately searched for people that were close to the victim. In their search, they discovered that Jessica Baldwin was seen with the victim around his time of death.

Fingerprint analysis was a confirmed match between Jessica and the murder weapon. In addition to this, fibers from Jessica’s purse were a match to the fiber found at the scene. After searching Jessica’s car, a bloody t-shirt was found in the trunk. Through the use of a presumptive test and blood typing test, it was concluded that the blood matched that of the victim.

Conclusion: Multiple instances of physical evidence, including fingerprints, hair, fiber, and blood led to the arrest of Jessica Baldwin on one count of second degree murder.

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Chronicles of a Minion Foretold

Christian Mauldin, Jahidi Solomon, Jordan Burge and Angelica Shannon

Cass High School

Kastle-Meyer Blood Testing

Introduction

Of the evidence that was collected from the crime was possible biological evidence from the car of Jessica Baldwin. To test

whether or not the evidence was in fact blood we had to run a Kastle-Meyer test. The Kastle-Meyer blood test consists of using a

cotton swab to gain a sample of the possible bloodstain and from there dropping ethanol, phenolphthalein, and hydrogen peroxide onto

the swab to test if blood is present. If the swab turns pink immediately after applying the hydrogen peroxide then blood is present, if

there is no detectable color change then no biological evidence is present. If the cotton swab turns pink directly after being exposed to

the hydrogen peroxide then we can infer that the evidence is in fact blood. With this experiment we will be able to open a door to

further put our suspect closer to trial, as if we can confirm it is blood, then we can confirm whose blood it is.

Materials

. 70% Ethanol

. Phenolphthalein solution

. Hydrogen Peroxide

. Water

. Cotton Swab

. Swatch of evidence being tested

. Dropper

Procedure

1. We began by dropping two drops of water onto the cotton swab and with this lightly rubbing our unknown evidence to gain a

sample.

2. We then used the dropper to drop two drops of ethanol onto the swab, we followed in the same suit with the other two

substances (the phenolphthalein and hydrogen peroxide).

3. After dropping the hydrogen peroxide we studied the swab to watch for a change in color.

Results

Reaction to water Slightly pink

Reaction to ethanol Still slightly pink, but lighter

Reaction to phenolphthalein Even lighter than the first two, but still pink.

Reaction to hydrogen peroxide Pink

Is it blood? Yes

After our testing we concluded that the sample tested was blood, as the change in color did occur.

Discussion

In our final opinion we conclude that the blood sample (a t-shirt) found in Jessica Baldwin’s car was blood, and therefore

draws attention to her as a suspect to this crime. With this we can test the blood further for blood typing and hopefully match it to that

of our victim, Carl Grimes. This will help with our case in concluding that Jessica Baldwin did in fact kill our victim.

Blood Typing Test

Introduction

After testing the sample of blood we received from our suspect Jessica Baldwin’s car, to indicate whether it was blood, we

then tested the blood for typing to see if the sample was a match to our victim. The blood typing test consists of using two separate

samples of the same blood type and adding protein A to our first batch and protein B to our second. After watching the color change

and the clotting of the blood samples, the blood sample collected is then tested by adding the proteins to two separate samples and

watching color change and clotting to determine blood type. If the blood sample clots and is confirmed to be an A positive blood type,

then the blood is a match to that of our victim. This is important and pertains to our case because we suspect that this blood may be

that of Carl Grimes, and blood typing helps filter our results that way we don’t waste our time and money testing blood that isn’t even

the same type of that of our victim. We believe that it is the blood of our victim, and after blood typing we suspect that it will be a

match to Carl Grimes which is type A positive. If my hypothesis is true then the unknown blood will clot and change in color in the

same manner of which type A positive does.

Materials

. Type A, B, AB, and O blood

. Antibodies A and B

. A blood sample dish (4x3 slots)

. Droppers

. Unknown blood sample

Procedure

1. Use droppers to put two drops of type A blood in the first slot of the dish. Follow in the same suit for each blood type and for

each slot in the sample dish.

2. Do the same on the second row of the blood sample dish.

3. In the third row of slots, put two drops of the unknown in two slots of the dish.

4. From there, in the first row of slots put two drops of antibody A into each sample. This is the control of A, B, AB, and O

positive blood types.

5. In the second row, put two drops of antibody B into each sample. This is the control of A, B, AB, and O negative blood types.

6. In the final row, put two drops of antibody A into the first slot, and two drops of antibody B into the second slot.

7. Examine the two slots of the unknown blood and compare to the others to match blood type.

Results

Blood Type Antibody A Antibody B

A Deep, dark, red Light yellow

B Murky yellow Light pink

AB Bright red Pink

O Yellow Light yellow

Unknown Deep, dark, red Light yellow

After studying the color change after dropping the different antibodies into the blood samples and into the unknown sample we

found that the unknown seemed to match to the type a positive blood. The chart above describes the color of the blood samples after

being exposed to the antibodies (which are supposed to simulate the RH positive and negative) in their relation to the unknown

sample.

Discussion

After our testing we have concluded that the suspect had the victim’s blood in the back of her car, putting her very high on our

list. The testing revealed that the unknown blood on the shirt was that of Carl Grimes, our victim, and was a match to his blood type.

Microscopic Analysis of Fibers

Introduction

Among the various items that were collected at the scene of the crime there were a few fibers wrapped around the murder

weapon. With this lab we are hoping to identify these fibers as ones that either look exactly like ones found on Jessica Baldwin or

ones like that of found on the suspect. We suspect that by the unique color and look of the fiber that it belongs to a purse owned and

carried by Baldwin, and in matching it to her we can further prove her presence at the crime. In this lab we will analyze the fiber

threads themselves, and how they are made up to attempt to identify them as ones that belong to or are in relation to Baldwin.

Materials

. Microscope

. Glass slide

. Unknown fiber

. Tweezers

Procedure

1. With tweezers, attach the unknown fiber to the glass slide and put under the microscope.

2. On the lowest setting, note fiber makeup and begin to sketch not what the fiber as an entirety looks like but what the specific

threads look like and record the results.

3. On the medium setting, do the same as was done on the lowest setting and record the results.

4. On the final and highest setting do the same as was done to both steps before, and sketch your results.

Results

Type of fiber Low magnification Medium

magnification

High magnification

Unknown Pattern of small

weaved together

fibers

Slighly messy, seem

to stick out

individually from the

strand.

Seem to look that of

natural nature.

The fiber analysis revealed to us that with the fibers weave pattern that it seems to be of natural substance.

Discussion

Based on the results we have found we have concluded that the fiber is one of natural nature. Our analysis has found that the

fibers do indeed seem to match the fibers on the purse of Baldwin. However, because of the multitude of natural fibers we must

conclude that the evidence is simply one of class nature, and cannot call it individual, despite its unique color and overall look of the

fiber that did have us slightly befuddled.

Burning Fibers

Introduction

Despite our analysis of the fibers under a microscope, we decided that to further seal our conclusion that the fiber was natural

we would also burn the fiber to check if it burned like that of one that was of natural decent. To burn a fiber we used tweezers to place

the fiber close to a flame and in the flame to analyze the reaction. We suspect from our previous results that the fiber will burn in a

way that a natural fiber does, and that as it approaches the flame it should burn quickly and should leave behind a white fluffy residue

after being burned. We hope that with this discovery it will help with fully sealing the fact that it is a natural fiber.

Materials

. Tweezers

. Bunsen burner

. A lighter

. Unknown Fiber

. Slow motion camera

Procedure

1. Turn on the gas to the bunsen burner, and with the lighter carefully ignite the gas.

2. Being very careful, use the tweezers to pick up the piece of the fiber.

3. With one person filming the event, slowly inch the fiber towards the flame and analyze the reaction of the fiber.

4. Once the fiber is burnt, take note and record the residue, smell, and reaction of the fiber while approaching the flame, while in

the flame, and when removed from the flame.

Results

Approaching

Flame

In Flame Removed

from Flame

Odor Residue

Unknown

Fiber

Singed Burned

quickly

Continues to

burn

Burned White fluffy

ash

Based on the results we noted from the fiber, this seems to be a fiber of natural basis, seemingly cotton. The burn patterns

match that of what cotton is noted to do within flames.

Discussion

After running the lab we have found that the fiber is most definitely of natural basis. The fact that the fibers burn in the way

that natural fibers do, and have the weave pattern that natural fibers do, this seems to be definite results. However despite the results

we have found the fact that the fiber is class evidence still reigns true, while the burn pattern matches that of a natural fiber, there is

not a specific result nor a specific pattern that gives it a special characteristic.

Analysis of Hair

Introduction

Among the items found at the scene were hairs around the weapon, seemingly removed in a struggle. In order to test this hair

we will attach it to a glass slide, and analyze it under a microscope. Analysis consists of sketching a general picture of the hair,

identifying the medulla (a visible ‘line’ within the hair), identifying the cuticle (the outer coat of the hair), the color, and the texture of

the hair. While the hair will not be classified as individual evidence due to the lack of DNA, if it is a match with our suspect Jessica

Baldwin’s hair, we can classify it as class evidence. We, in our professional opinion, do believe that Baldwin is the killer and hope

that with this small piece of evidence we can not only further prove that the suspect was the killer, but at least prove she was present at

the crime scene.

Materials

. Microscope

. Unknown hair

. Glass slide

Procedure

1. Carefully remove the unknown hair from the paper bindle that it should be stored in and place it securely on the glass slide.

2. Place the glass slide underneath the microscope and on the lowest setting analyze the make-up of the fiber. Write down the

results of your analysis.

3. Move the microscope setting to the second highest grade, and from there begin analyzing the look of the fiber on a closer level.

Record the results of your analysis.

4. Move the microscope setting to the highest grade, and from this point again analyze the fiber on the closest level. Record the

results of your analysis.

Results

Source of

hair

Medulla:

(Type)

Cuticle:

(Draw and

Type)

Color Straight or

curly

Other

Unknown Absent Flattened Black Straight Solid,

thick, and

very easy

to locate.

Baldwin Absent Flattened Black Straight Very easy

to locate,

think, and

solid.

The results of the hair found were as above, the medulla was absent, and the cuticle was seemingly flattened. The color was

straight black, making it very easy to locate but very hard to identify the cuticle. The results matched that of what we found with hair

taken from Baldwin for testing.

Discussion

Based on the information we have gained from the hair found, we conclude that the hair is synthetic. And while it is a match to

that of what we have for Jessica Baldwin, this is a common type of hair, and therefore must be classified as class evidence. There is no

DNA to confirm the head of which this came from, as synthetic hair does not carry DNA. Hence, while I would say that the

coincidence will not go unnoticed, the hair itself will not completely close the case.

Fingerprinting and Classifying

Introduction

At the scene of the crime fingerprints were lifted from a possible weapon. Among our suspects we have high hopes to match these to a

Jessica Baldwin with use of minutia and fingerprint studies. Our hypothesis is that these prints will match that of Baldwin. If the match is there,

and our hypothesis is proved true then this will only add to the evidence we already have against Baldwin.

Materials

. Magnetic Powder

. Magnifying glass/Microscope

. Marker

. Lifting tape

. Lifting card

. Gloves

. Suspects ten card

Procedure

1. Take the item being printed and with gloved hands lightly dust the prints with the magnetic powder.

2. Use the tape to lift the prints from the item and place on the lifting card.

3. Label lifting card.

4. From this point, scan the print and use either a fingerprint database or a classic magnifying glass and marker to mark the similarities

between your lifted prints and the ten card of your suspect. Search for similarity’s in the fingerprints by paying close attention to loops,

whorls, arches, and other identifying items.

Results

The side by side analysis of the fingerprints found at the scene of the crime at the ones on the ten card of Baldwin are a match to each

other.

Discussion

After matching similarities between the ten card prints and the lifted prints to that of our suspect, we found that the two were a match. Paying close attention to the little details of the prints, such as ridge endings and bifurcations we were able to make a match between the partial print lifted and the ten card we had on file. While we could not make a full print, we hope that in the future we are able to lift fuller, easier to read, fingerprints.

Jessica BaldwinFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jessica Baldwin

2014 Instagram Photo of Jessica Baldwin

Born

Jessica Baldwin

February 18, 1995 (age 19)

United States

Other names The Coopers Furnace Killer

Criminal penalty Life imprisonment without parole

Spouse(s) None

Conviction(s) Murder

Killings

Victims Convicted of one

Span of killings April 1, 2014

Country United States

State(s) Georgia

Date apprehended April 21, 2014

Imprisoned at Georgia State Penitentiary

Jessica Baldwin (born February 18, 1995) is an American serial killer known as the Coopers Furnace Killer. She was convicted of the murder of Carl Grimes, her psychologically abused boyfriend. She murdered Grimes on the evening of April 1, 2014 (April fool’s Day) over an alleged dispute. The press gave her the nickname ‘The Coopers Furnace Killer’ after the body of Grimes was found at Coopers Furnace: her identity was not known. She struck Grimes with a lug wrench, and afterwards dumped his body at Coopers Furnace.

On April 21, 2014, as she was leaving the Cartersville, Georgia, Starbucks where she worked, she was arrested for the murder of Carl Grimes whose death she was linked to through fiber, hair, blood, and fingerprint evidence. She was convicted of the murder but was spared the death penalty and received a sentence of life imprisonment without parole.

Contents[hide]

1 Early life 2 Adult life

3 Murders 4 Sentencing 5 Victims

o 5.1 Confirmed

Early life [edit]Baldwin was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1995. Baldwin’s homelife was slightly problematic; sources described her parents as controlling and said that she had witnessed more than her fair share of violent altercations between the two. As a young girl, Baldwin was described as a difficult person and had been noted to spend many a day in the principal’s office for violence that spawned from her incessant need to always be in control. This need bled into her teenage years and despite her attempts at hiding it, sources close to her indicate that her issues had not died down but had rather gotten worse.

Adult life [edit]At age 19, after graduating from high school, Baldwin entered a relationship with Carl Grimes. She got a job at the local Starbucks, and was living comfortably in Cartersville. Grimes began to spend more time away from home, and as a result of this his relationship with Baldwin became strained. Fights began to ensue, neighbors repeatedly called the police due to disturbances to the peace, and somewhere within this period Baldwin’s violent streak began.

When questioned about Baldwin after her arrest, friends and family close to her described her as quite, but ill-tempered and possessive. She had few friends, and didn’t date much prior to her relationship with Grimes.

According to friends, Baldwin was a homebody who spent most of her time working. Her social skills were lacking, and she had often noted that she felt more comfortable being alone than with other people. Most described her relationship with Grimes as strained, and had mentioned that since the start of their relationship that Grimes had grown distant and detached. Its speculated that Grimes was psychologically abused by Baldwin during the course of their relationship due to the constant fighting that occurred between the two.

Murders [edit]

On April 1, 2014 the body of Carl Grimes was found at the sight of Coopers Furnace just outside of Cartersville, Georgia. According to family and friends of Grimes, he had gone to meet Baldwin to end their relationship. Witnesses who had seen the couple at Coopers Furnace indicated that the two seemed on edge and looked to be having a heated discussion. It is believed that sometime between 4 to 5 o’clock Baldwin had murdered Grimes and in a rush to get out of the area had left all signs of evidence at the scene.

Witnesses spotted the body of Grimes around 5 o’clock and immediately called the police. Evidence found amongst the body was subjected to fiber analysis, blood analysis, hair analysis, and fingerprint analysis and provided the evidence for Jessica Baldwin’s arrest warrant. On April 21, 2014, Baldwin was leaving the Starbucks where she worked when police arrived to arrest her. Baldwin was arrested on suspicion of murdering Carl Grimes after first being identified as a potential suspect, when blood, fiber, hair, and fingerprint evidence conclusively linked her to the evidence collected at the crime scene.

Sentencing [edit]Early in July 2014, Baldwin entered a guilty plea to the murder of Carl Grimes and was convicted of a lifetime sentence. She was sent to the Georgia State Penitentiary where she still remains to this day.

Victims [edit]Baldwin is convicted on the murder of Carl Grimes.

Confirmed [edit]

At the time of her July 17, 2014 sentencing, authorities had been able to connect Baldwin to the murder of Carl Grimes. Baldwin was given a life sentence for the murder of Grimes with no chance of parole.

# Name Age Disappeared Found1 Carl Grimes 18 April 1, 2014 April 1, 2014

Photo log: Cooper's Furnace, Cartersville, GA 30120 | 04.04.2014| Final Crime Scene Investigation

Photographer: Jahidi Solomon, Cass High School

Camera NO. Mode Description Nature Settings Type ThumbnailGalaxy SIII 174345 Picture Overall w/ placards Overall Normal Standard

Galaxy SIII 174845 Picture Overall Overall Normal Standard

Galaxy SIII 174508 Picture Midrange Midrange Normal Standard

Galaxy SIII 174539 Picture Midrange w/ placards Close Up Normal Standard

Galaxy SIII 174557 Picture Close-up w/ placards (weapon)

Close up Normal Standard

Galaxy SIII 174603 Picture Close-up w/ placards(hair)

Close up Normal Standard

Galaxy SIII 174614 Picture Close-up w/ placard(body)

Close up Normal Standard

Galaxy SIII 174747 Picture Measured (weapon) Close up Normal Standard

Galaxy SIII 174751 Picture Close-up (hair) Close up Normal Standard

Galaxy SIII 174809 Picture Measured w/ placards (body) Close up Normal Standard

Galaxy SIII 174539-1-1

Picture Midrange w/ placards (hair) Midrange Normal Standard

Galaxy SIII 174539-1

Picture Midrange w/ placards(weapon)

Midrange Normal Standard

Galaxy SIII 174-508-1

Picture Midrange (weapon) Midrange Normal Standard

Galaxy SIII 174508-1-1

Picture Mid-range (hair) Midrange Normal Standard

Galaxy SIII 174-508-2

Picture Midrange (body) Midrange Normal Standard

Galaxy SIII 172300 Video Crime Scene - Part 1 Overall Normal Standard N/A

Galaxy SIII 172836 Video Crime Scene - Part 2 Close-up Normal Standard N/A

Galaxy SIII 172953 Video Crime Scene - Part 3 Midrange Normal Standard N/A

Galaxy SIII 174848 Picture Overall (body) Overall Normal Standard