Auhor Jennifer Chase, Author, Criminologist, interview, Officer Donovan McCoy, Police Officers, Stockton Police Department

As I have mentioned before on this blog, the field of forensics encompasses many areas of study, from geology to meteorology to engineering. My own interest has primarily been in forensic psychology, which focuses on the study of the mind of an individual and has the purpose of determining the reasons behind a criminal’s behavior. I am fascinated by the thought process that leads someone to act in ways that reach far beyond the parameters of acceptable human behavior. Other subfields of forensics, such as DNA analysis and anthropology, are used in identifying victims of crimes when physical familiarity has been destroyed. Genetic samples, dental records, and fingerprints all can be used to give a name to someone who has been murdered. But, what happens when these options are not available?

Jasmine Fiore was murdered earlier this month in my home state of California. Her remains were found mutilated and stuffed into a suitcase. Her fingers had been chopped off and her teeth removed in an attempt to remove the usual methods of identification. The killer, who is widely believed to be her husband, reality television participant Ryan Jenkins, was not aware of one other way of determining the murdered woman was Ms. Fiore. The police were able to positively ID the victim by the serial numbers printed on her breast implants.

Mr. Jenkins evaded law enforcement for several days and fled into his native country of Canada. His body was discovered in a hotel room yesterday, and it appears that he took his own life.

While friends and family of Jasmine Fiore may be relieved that the hunt for Ryan Jenkins has come to an end and he can never hurt another person, they also expressed some regret that he will never face his day in court.

There is some evidence that Ryan Jenkins had a history of physical abuse directed at his girlfriends. If you are currently in an abusive relationship, please do not wait another day to get help.