What is important to photograph when investigating a body in a homicide?

When investigating a body in a homicide, photographing body markings and injuries is crucial for several reasons. Body markings, such as tattoos, scars, or other identifiable features, can help in establishing the identity of the victim. Injuries provide vital information about the circumstances surrounding the death, including the nature and cause of trauma, which can contribute to determining the manner of death (homicide, accident, suicide, etc.).

Detailed photographs of the injuries and markings serve as critical pieces of evidence that forensic experts can analyze later, offering insights into the events that led to the victim's death. This can help in reconstructing the incident and can also be instrumental during legal proceedings, as these images provide a visual representation that may corroborate witness testimonies or further investigations.

The other aspects of the scene, such as the location of the body or the reactions of witnesses, while important in a broader investigation, do not capture the specific details of the victim's condition that are essential to understanding the act of murder itself. In particular, details of the body and any injuries present offer direct evidence about the violent act that took place, making it imperative to document them thoroughly.