What Evidence Will the Prosecution Use Against Me in a Murder Case?

Posted on July 9, 2025
  • Violent Crimes

    • Criminal cases have the highest burden of proof. When your life and freedom are on the line, the prosecution must establish that you are guilty of every element of the offense by proof beyond a reasonable doubt. To this end, the prosecution may present various forms of evidence to try to convict you, such as: 

    Physical Evidence

    Physical evidence can be some of the most compelling forms of evidence, such as: 

    • DNA: DNA may include saliva, semen, blood, or other bodily fluids that connect you to the victim and/or the crime scene.
    • Fingerprints: The prosecution may present fingerprint evidence on weapons, objects, surfaces, or the crime scene that could connect you to the crime.
    • Weapons: If a weapon was left at the scene or later discovered, the prosecution may present it at trial. 
    • Clothing: Your clothing could be analyzed for DNA, blood, or other evidence of the murder.

    Witness Testimony

    Witness testimony is generally divided into two categories: lay testimony and expert witness testimony. Lay testimony comes from ordinary people who know something about the crime. For example, a witness may testify to seeing the defendant at the crime scene, hearing the defendant admit to the crime, or hearing from the victim about a conflict with the defendant. Lay witnesses may be able to provide crucial information about the relationship between the defendant and alleged victim or their states of mind.

    Expert testimony comes from experts who have specialized training, education, or experience that can explain complex topics to the judge or jury. Some expert witnesses include:

    • Medical professionals: Coroners, medical examiners, or other medical professionals may testify about the cause of death and the nature of the victim’s injuries.
    • Forensic scientists: These experts may explain complex scientific evidence, such as how DNA connects to the crime.
    • Other experts: Depending on the case, ballistics experts may testify about firearms, digital experts may testify about cell phone location, and other experts may testify about other complex topics.

    Forensic Evidence 

    Forensic evidence could take various forms, including the following:

    • Ballistics and firearm examination: Ballistic evidence may be used to connect a bullet to a particular gun.
    • Autopsy reports: The autopsy report may detail the cause of death and the victim’s injuries. 
    • Blood spatter analysis: Blood spatter patterns can indicate how the events unfolded.
    • Toxicology reports: Toxicology reports can show whether the victim and/or defendant had drugs or alcohol in their system at the time of the death.

    Digital Evidence

    Digital evidence is increasingly important and common in criminal cases today. This evidence can help show internet searches, phone calls, text messages, cell phone location, and other digital information. 

    Mount an Effective Defense with the Help of The Criminal Defense Team 

    If you are concerned about the evidence the prosecution may present at your murder trial, the board-certified criminal trial specialists at The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley PC can help. We hold the prosecution to its burden and argue zealously on behalf of our clients to show when the prosecution has failed to meet it. Call our Indianapolis murder attorney today at 

    (317) 678-9853 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.