Laura Pettler, M.S.

Laura Pettler, M.S.

Laura Pettler is the Investigator for Prosecutorial District Twenty A, Michael D. Parker, District Attorney. Laura worked an 120 day contract with the DA’s Office in 2006, then was hired permanent-full-time beginning in January 2007.

Laura Pettler has spent her academic and professional careers studying forensic psychology, criminal profiling, serial homicide, death investigation, crime scene investigation, bloodstain evidence analysis and forensic science.

Laura is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice at Capella University and is expected to graduate in 2010. Laura has a Masters of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Youngstown State University and a Bachelors of Science degree in Pre-Professional Psychology from Geneva College.

Laura Pettler has had the honor and the privilege of working under Dr. Herbert Leon MacDonell, Director of the Laboratory of Forensic Science located in Corning, New York since July of 2003. Laura is a faculty member at the Bloodstain Evidence Institute in Corning, NY directed by Dr. MacDonell since 1973.

Laura teaches throughout the state of North Carolina for various agencies and organizations. Laura taught on a team of forensic professionals headed by Dr. MacDonell in Parma, Italy in June 2007. Laura hopes continue her international teaching in 2008 in Switzerland.

Please email to request Laura’s Curriculum Vitae.

Dr. Herbert Leon MacDonell

Dr. MacDonell is the most famous, world renowned forensic scientist in the world. Dr. MacDonell is the “Father of Bloodstain Analysis” of the world as well. On June 5, 1969, Dr. MacDonell presented a paper at the Fifth International Meeting of Forensic Science held in Toronto, Canada. He showed the evidence he had done in the Steven Shaff case. Following the presentation, renowned Criminalist, Dr. Paul Kirk, encouraged Dr. MacDonell to continue his research on the significance of bloodstain patterns. The world of forensic science would not be the same without the hard work and dedication of Dr. MacDonell.

In 2004 he received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Rhode Island.

He is most well known for his testimony in the OJ Simpson case on the sock and the glove, the RFK Reconstruction, the Black Panthers Case in Chicago in the 1960s, and so many more. Feel free to www.google.com his name for tons of information about his research and career.

The Internationally Conducted Bloodstain Institute is held every May and September in beautiful Corning, New York. It has also been held in the District of Columbia, Holland, Sweden, Australia, England, and in June 2007 Italy. Dr. MacDonell has held the Bloodstain Institute for over 30 years and it is the only course offered in this country from the Master himself. Please email him at forensiclab@stny.rr.com for registration materials and more information. You can also request to purchase a copy of Dr. MacDonell’s new book through his email address as well. This book is a must have and the handbook for bloodstain analysis.

Laura Pettler has also studied with T. Paulette Sutton, M.S., M.T. (A.S.C.P), C.L.S., during her trips to Corning. Laura has also completed Ms. Sutton’s Advanced Bloodstain Course concentrating on bloodstains on clothing. Ms. Sutton is one of the most respected Bloodstain Analysts in the world today. She has worked with Dr. MacDonell for over 20 years.

T. Paulette Sutton, Stuart James, and Paul Kish have a recently published Bloodstain Analysis book called Principles of Bloodstain Evidence Analysis: Theory and Practice available through www.crcpress.com. This is a wonderful book.

(does not include Bloodstain Institute Brochure)

Mailing Address:

Carolina Forensics

PO Box 572

Waxhaw, North Carolina 28173

CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS