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“The transfer of hairs and fibers and their discovery as trace evidence can be critical in associating a suspect to a victim or to a crime scene.” 1

Tiny red fibers discovered on three discarded bodies lead police to a serial killer.  The fibers were microscopically analyzed and compared; using a Scanning Electron Microscope, microanalysts noticed an unusual triangular shape.  The fibers were burned to identify the point at which they would disintegrate, in order to identify their chemical compound, which was nylon.  In addition the light reflected by the fibers indicated they were all from the same dye lot and the same source.

Fibers are often transferred from crime scene to victim and perpetrator.  The transfer may be direct (primary) or indirect (secondary). 

“A primary transfer occurs when a fiber is transferred from a fabric directly onto a victim’s clothing, whereas a secondary transfer occurs when already transferred fibers on the clothing of a suspect transfer to the clothing of a victim.” 1

Tire impressions found at the scene were first sent to FBI for identification; however, one tread pattern wasn’t on file, so the impression was sent to Goodyear.  The unidentified tire was a specialty model which would be crucial evidence. 
A fourth victim was discovered, along with more red nylon fibers. A fifth victim was abducted and released after 24 hours of rape and abuse.  During her captivity she noticed sounds, details about the car she was transported in and landscapes.  She noticed the word Magnum on the dash of the car, unique to the 1978 Dodge Magnum.  Police found over 400 owners of that particular vehicle in the area. 

One of the names was Robert Long.  He was separated from his wife, a father of two and part time X-Ray technician.  At the first opportunity police inspected Long’s vehicle and found the specialty tire they were looking for.  Long was arrested and the car was impounded to search for additional information.  Police found carpet fibers in the vehicle that matched the fibers found on each victim. 

Long confessed to ten murders.

1. Deedrick, Douglas: Hairs, Fibers, Crime, and Evidence, Forensic Science Communications, Volume 2, Number 3, July 2000