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The Netherlands. A view of victim on floor prior to removal and a view of void area on floor after removal of victim. A void pattern, a form of alteration, is the absence of bloodstaining in an otherwise continuous bloodstained area. The void is a result of the presence of intervening objects or people. If the object or person is shifted in position or completely removed, the resultant unstained void pattern remains. The void may be the recognizable outline of an object or may just show that someone or something interrupted the bloodstain pattern. Frequently, the position of a victim can be reconstructed by observation of a complete or partial outline of the victim or within a bloodstained area. Void areas within spatter patterns may assist with the location of the assailant. Void areas may be present on the clothing of victims that may indicate folding of the material or position of arms or hands or legs at the time of bloodshed.

Fig.1 A view of victim on floor prior to removal and a view of void area on floor after removal of victim.

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