This is literally ripped from me asking Gemini “how can a medical examiner tell if a person was blindfolded when they died” so I expect down votes since I’m being forthright about that and not just pawning it off as my own.

Tl;Dr: markings, particularly bruising, fiber or other material remnants, blood vessels in the eyes rupturing from the blindfold.

Here’s what the ai said:

A medical examiner (forensic pathologist) can determine if a person was blindfolded at the time of death by looking for several types of evidence, primarily through a thorough external examination of the body and the scene investigation. Key indicators that might be present include:

• Imprints or Markings on the Skin:
  • Bruising (Contusions): The force or pressure of a tight blindfold, especially if the person struggled, can leave distinct bruises on the skin around the eyes, across the bridge of the nose, and/or around the head.
  • Abrasions (Scrapes): Friction from the material moving against the skin, particularly near bony prominences like the orbital ridges or bridge of the nose, can cause scrapes.
  • Ligature Marks: A fold, crease, or indentation in the skin, often in the pattern of the blindfold material (e.g., a line for a strip of cloth, a crosshatch pattern for gauze), can be visible. These are similar to those seen from restraints or ligatures.
• Trace Evidence:
  • Fibers or Residue: The material used for the blindfold (e.g., fabric fibers, tape residue) might be transferred to the skin, hair, or eyelashes of the deceased. These small pieces of evidence are collected and analyzed by forensic scientists.
• Hemorrhages (Bleeding):
  • Petechiae: Small, pinpoint hemorrhages (broken blood vessels) in the conjunctiva (the lining of the eyelids and eye) or the skin of the eyelids can be caused by the pressure of a tight restraint around the head or neck area, which can obstruct venous return.
• Scene Investigation:
  • The Blindfold Itself: The most direct evidence is the discovery of the blindfold still on the body or nearby. The medical examiner or crime scene investigators will document its position and material.
  • Associated Evidence: The location of the body, other restraints, and signs of a struggle can corroborate the use of a blindfold as part of a struggle, kidnapping, or execution. The findings from the external examination and the scene are crucial because they represent ante-mortem (occurring before death) or peri-mortem (occurring around the time of death) events. If the markings show signs of vital reaction (like bruising/bleeding), it confirms the person was blindfolded while still alive or in the process of dying.