Nature’s invisible evidence: How pollen helped crack a murder case
Forensic palynologist Dallas Mildenhall helped solve a 2008 murder case in New Zealand by analyzing unique pollen grains found on the victim. The discovery of mutated pollen linked the crime scene to a specific location sprayed with herbicide near a gang's hangout.
Why it matters
This case highlights the growing importance of forensic palynology as a scientific tool in criminal investigations to establish geographical links.
Blood, fingerprints, and weapons aren't the only evidence investigators look for at a crime scene; pollen is another. Pollen grains are one piece of evidence that has helped solve some of the highest-profile murder cases in recent years, one grain at a time. The tiny grains that might be invisible to the naked eye actually shine bright and reveal a lot to the experts.A murder solved with pollenMellory Manning, a 27-year-old woman was assaulted and murdered in 2008 while working as a prostitute in Christchurch, New Zealand. The police conducted an investigation and interviewed hundreds of people but months later, they still lacked leads.
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