Shoe print database provides vital information in murder case

SoleMate, Foster & Freeman’s database of shoe prints, proved its worth recently during the investigation of a murder. Following the violent death of a woman in the kitchen of her Coventry home in the U.K, officers from West Midlands police force apprehended a suspect who's socks had blood splatter stains. Examination of the crime scene also revealed a partial shoeprint in blood that officers believed was left by the suspect.

Shoeprint is referred to Foster & Freeman

At the time, West Midlands police were not using SICAR, the company’s shoe print evidence management system, or subscribing to SoleMate, but to further their investigation they contacted Foster & Freeman, to see whether we were willing to help. Within minutes our staff confirmed that the shoeprint had been produced by a ‘Mountain Ridge’ shoe, unique to JJB Sports, a UK nationwide shoe retailer, and that there were two models using that particular sole. We were also able to say that this footwear was first available during the summer of 2002, as well as provide complete images of the footwear and it's sole.

With this information, police officers were able to locate the store in which the footwear was purchased and to trace the shop’s copy of the actual receipt issued to the suspect, later confirmed when an empty shoe box was found at the suspect's home.

The case went to the Crown Court in January 2005, which would not have been possible without SoleMate as "the footwear evidence was vital". West Midlands Police obtained a conviction and now use SICAR and SoleMate.

For more information contact:
Jane O’Brien
Foster & Freeman Ltd

Back