Marshall Crime Scene House
Marshall Crime Scene House Save Email Print
Posted: 11:53 PM Jan 4, 2009
Last Updated: 5:28 PM Jan 5, 2009
Reporter: Amanda Goodman
Email Address: amanda.goodman@wsaz.com

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Marshall University’s Forensic Science Center is taking hands-on learning to a new level with their very own crime scene house.

"We have the capability of staging all types of crime scenes here," said Dr. Terry Fenger.

Dr. Fenger is the Director of Marshall’s Forensic Science Center.

He says this house allows students in the Forensic Science Program to apply what they are learning in the classroom to real life scenarios.

"We have an actual working laboratory where we can conduct fingerprint exercises, and we can use these various pieces of equipment for digital imaging," Dr. Fenger said.

Marshall University bought the house three-story house specifically for the Forensic Science Center.

The center has received funding for various programs thanks to earmarks secured by Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.).

"Most universities do not have something so expansive and with such capabilities," said Dr. Fenger.

Students set up mock crime scenes, like a home robbery, and then process the scene from start to finish.

They even present their findings to a judge in a mock courtroom which is located on the third floor of the house.

"Every square foot of this house is being utilized," Dr. Fenger said.

However, Marshall students are not the sole beneficiaries of all the house has to offer. Local police and even the FBI use the house for training purposes.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: What about rules? on Jan 7, 2009 at 06:50 PM
I thought this area was zoned residential. Why can Marshall break the rules?

Posted by: a on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:11 PM
yeah its great and all but why cant the hpd solve the real cases????? looks like they need some training

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 01:56 PM
Looks to me that the HPD should send their officers here to learn how to solve a case. Look at all the unsolved MURDERS.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:14 AM
I think this is GREAT for Marshall. But the part about local police using this house is a JOKE. The HPD can't solve real crimes so maybe they will feel good about themselves if they have some success in this setting.

Posted by: Larry on Jan 5, 2009 at 07:40 AM
Couldnt they just pick about any house on the south side of the tracks?

Posted by: travis on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:02 AM
pork, pork, pork....the bird trademark

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