Dec.21, 2013
Japanese police announced that they have created a 3D model of a murder crime scene in Tokyo hoping to solve a 13-year-old cold case murder mystery. On Dec 30, 2000, Mr. Mikio Miyazawa (44) and his family (his 41-year-old wife Yasuko, 8-year-old daughter Niina, and 6-year-old son Rei) were murdered in their home. Police have not identified any suspects since then. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department hopes the 3D printed model could be a tool to stimulate the memory of someone in the surroundings to help providing useful information.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department purchased 3D printers three years ago for their investigations. During the search for the last wanted member of Aum Shinrikyo, Katsuya Takahashi, police created a 3D face model from Takahashi's photo with help of 3D printing.
The 3D printed scene is a 1/28 scale model of a two story house and was created on a Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing machine. The roof of the model can be removed, allowing people to see inside and view labels that indicate spots where the four were murdered.
Different from photos or plans drawn on paper, a 3D model of the house helps people visualize the scene that was going on. According to Sankei News, after showing the 3D model of the house to the public, Tokyo Police Department received a total of 11,800 clues related the case.
Tokyo Police Department has been conducting investigations for years but no breakthrough. Police says they hope the 3D printed model could help them to solve the case. A 3D model could also help young investigators get a better picture of crime scene, says the police, and they plan to use more 3D printed models in their future crime investigation.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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