THE TEACHING OF GREAT-GRANDFATHER TUCKER LEADS TO AN UNUSUAL PROFESSION

By Tom Bevel

Part II - U. S. Army Infantry and OCPD

During my service in the infantry in Vietnam, I had numerous opportunities to witness bloodshed firsthand and understand its origins. I instinctively drew comparisons between what I observed and the teachings my Grandfather imparted during our deer hunting trips many years ago. Since Vietnam, my preference when in nature has shifted from wielding a rifle to capturing moments with a camera.

Following my Army tenure, I joined the Oklahoma City Police Department and eventually advanced to the role of Crime Scene Investigator after serving on patrol. This role exposed me to countless violent crime scenes marked with bloodstains. Although my training offered little guidance on interpreting these stains, it was evident that they held narratives, much like tracking a wounded deer, if one would only “listen.”

Driven by my interest and the accuracy of my preliminary observations, my supervisor arranged for me to attend a comprehensive forty-hour bloodstain interpretation class at the Orlando, FL., Medical Examiner’s Office. This experience ignited my passion for the discipline, leading me to delve deeper into the study, conduct experiments, and advocate for training programs benefiting Crime Scene Investigators, Medical Examiners and their field agents, Defense and Prosecuting Attorneys, and Forensic Scientists.

Drawing upon my Grandfather’s teachings, I coauthored four (4) textbooks on the subject. I played a pivotal role in establishing the International Association for Bloodstain Pattern Analysts, attracting members from numerous foreign countries. These textbooks have allowed me to lecture across the United States and eight foreign countries.

When we attentively listen to our elders’ teachings and embrace their wisdom, it is astounding how much knowledge can be acquired, passed down, and further enhanced through continued study and experimentation.

Thank you, Grandfather Tucker.