1993 Death Investigation: What Forensic Evidence Is Usually Kept After 30+ Years?
I’m researching a 1993 death investigation involving a suspected hit-and-run in Maryland and am trying to better understand the forensic/pathology side of older cases from that era.
Without speculating on guilt or identity, I’m hoping professionals here may be able to clarify a few things:
- In the early 1990s, what evidence would typically be collected in a suspected fatal hit-and-run?
- Would tissue, photographs, slides, toxicology, or trace evidence commonly still exist today?
- If records or evidence were later destroyed according to retention schedules, would documentation of that destruction normally remain?
- How often were cases initially classified one way and later reconsidered?
I’m trying to understand procedure and investigative limitations from that time period, not accuse anyone. Any professional insight or direction toward resources would be greatly appreciated.