What role do 'trace evidence' play in criminal investigations?

Trace evidence plays a crucial role in criminal investigations by connecting a suspect to a crime scene. This type of evidence includes small, often microscopic materials such as hair, fibers, glass particles, or other minute substances that can be transferred from one location to another during the commission of a crime. For instance, if a suspect's clothing has fibers that match those found at a crime scene, this can support the investigation by indicating that the suspect was present at that location.

Additionally, the analysis of trace evidence can help establish relationships among the suspect, the victim, and the crime scene, providing strong corroborative evidence. In contrast, while identifying the motive behind a crime, establishing the crime location, or reporting on victim behaviors may be relevant in broader investigative contexts, they do not provide the direct linkage that trace evidence offers between a suspect and a specific incident. This makes trace evidence particularly valuable for forensic investigations and legal proceedings.