Photos of hairbrush, Colette MacDonald's fall (fibers from which were found in this exhibit), and known saran doll hair from FBI reference collection

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U.S. Government and famliy photos (image on far right created by webmaster from Government photo)

Clear-handled hairbrush next to purse on sideboard in dining room near kitchen
Clear-handled hairbrush next to purse on sideboard in dining room near kitchen
Clear-handled hairbrush next to purse on sideboard in dining room near kitchen
Clear-handled hairbrush next to purse on sideboard in dining room near kitchen
Colette wearing a blonde fall which was designated as Exhibit K47. Fibers from K47 were found in CID Exhibit E323, which the defense claimed linked Helena Stoeckley to the crime scene. Fibers from K47 were also found in CID Exhibit E322 (blue-handled hairbrush).
Colette wearing a blonde fall which was designated as Exhibit K47. Fibers from K47 were found in CID Exhibit E323, which the defense claimed linked Helena Stoeckley to the crime scene. Fibers from K47 were also found in CID Exhibit E322 (blue-handled hairbrush).
Colette wearing a blonde fall which was designated as Exhibit K47. Fibers from K47 were found in CID Exhibit E323, which the defense claimed linked Helena Stoeckley to the crime scene. Fibers from K47 were also found in CID Exhibit E322 (blue-handled hairbrush).
Colette wearing a blonde fall which was designated as Exhibit K47. Fibers from K47 were found in CID Exhibit E323, which the defense claimed linked Helena Stoeckley to the crime scene. Fibers from K47 were also found in CID Exhibit E322 (blue-handled hairbrush).
One of Colette MacDonald\'s blond falls, which may be Exhibit K47. Fibers from K47 were found in CID Exhibit E322. They were also found in CID Exhibit E323, which the defense claimed linked Helena Stoeckley to the crime scene.
One of Colette MacDonald's blond falls, which may be Exhibit K47. Fibers from K47 were found in CID Exhibit E322. They were also found in CID Exhibit E323, which the defense claimed linked Helena Stoeckley to the crime scene.
Section from hairpiece of Colette MacDonald<br><br>Copyright © 2005 themacdonaldcase.com<br>Photo of hairpiece provided by Bob Stevenson
Section from hairpiece of Colette MacDonald

Copyright © 2005 themacdonaldcase.com
Photo of hairpiece provided by Bob Stevenson
Q131A (CID Exhibit E323): Clear-handled hairbrush
Q131A (CID Exhibit E323): Clear-handled hairbrush
Known saran doll hair, from FBI reference collection.  Synthetic fibers similar to this sample were found in the clear-handled hairbrush.
Known saran doll hair, from FBI reference collection.  Synthetic fibers similar to this sample were found in the clear-handled hairbrush.

CID Findings


ca. April 20, 1971:  USACIL Report P-FA-D-C-FP-82-70-R24

USACIL Report P-FA-D-C-FP-82-70-R24, page 2  Page 2
USACIL Report P-FA-D-C-FP-82-70-R24, page 2


Paragraph 6:  Comparative examination of the hairs of Exhibit E321 showed same to be similar in gross color, pigmentation and structure to the dark hairs removed from Exhibits E323 and E35.

     a.  It is the opinion of the examiner that these hairs could have had the same source of origin.

     b.  Comparative examination of these hairs with Exhibits E4 and E5 showed same to be dissimilar in physical characteristics.


USACIL Report P-FA-D-C-FP-82-70-R24, page 3  Page 3
USACIL Report P-FA-D-C-FP-82-70-R24, page 3


Paragraph 8:  Comparative examination of the light brown hairs from Exhibits E322, E323 and E35 showed same to be similar in gross color, pigmentation and structure.

     a.  It is the opinion of the examiner that these hairs could have had the same source of origin.

     b.  Comparative examination of these hairs showed same to be similar in gross color, pigmentation and structure to the hair of Exhibit E5 and could have had the same source of origin.

Paragraph 9:  Comparative examination of the blond hairs from Exhibit E322, E323 and E35 showed same to be similar in gross color, pigmentation and structure.

     a.  It is the opinion of the examiner that these hairs could have had the same source of origin.

     b.  Comparative examination of these hairs shoed same to be similar in gross color, pigmentation and structure to the hair of Exhibit E4 and could have had the same source of origin.


Webmaster note:  In the February 5, 1991 Affidavit of Janice Glisson (CID), Glisson refers to this April 20, 1971 report:

     6.  In the CID Laboratory Report (R-24) dated April 20, 1971, I included the results of my hair analyses of the hair-like material retrieved from the three hairbrushes; these results are listed in paragraphs six through nine of the report. They were in response to Investigator Kearns' March 9, 1971 Requests for Examination which respond directly to the requested examinations. No mention was made of the blond synthetic fibers found on the clear-handled hairbrush because there had been no request for fiber (as opposed to hair) examinations and I did not attach any forensic significance to synthetic fibers. I never informed anyone about the blond fibers, and to my recollection no one ever indicated an interest in these specific items.

     7.  My additional laboratory bench notes (Murphy Affidavit, Exhibit 1, p. 35) again reflected my earlier findings that there were some synthetic blond hairs found on the clear-handled hairbrush (Exhibit K). These notes also reflect a finding of a "grey or blond" synthetic hair.

ca. May 25, 1971:  USACIL Report P-FA-D-C-FP-82-70-R25

USACIL Report P-FA-D-C-FP-82-70-R25, page 1  Page 1
USACIL Report P-FA-D-C-FP-82-70-R25, page 1


Paragraph 1:  Comparative examination of the hairs from Exhibit E324 with the hairs from Exhibits E322, E323, E325, E4 and E5 showed same to be dissimilar in physical characteristics.


USACIL Report P-FA-D-C-FP-82-70-R25, page 2  Page 2
USACIL Report P-FA-D-C-FP-82-70-R25, page 2


Paragraph 2:  Comparative examination of the hairs from Exhibit E325 showed same to be similar in gross color, pigmentation and structure to some of the hairs from Exhibits E323 and E35 and could have had the same source of origin.


Webmaster note:  In the February 5, 1991 Affidavit of Janice Glisson (CID), Glisson refers to this May 25, 1971 report:

     Again the report dated May 25, 1971, does not reflect a finding of synthetic hair since Kearns' Request of May 6, 1971 to which it responded only asked the Chemistry Section to: "compare the contents of Exhibits A and B, above, with hair samples on file at your office."


Webmaster note:  Per the affidavit of John Murphy, exhibits A and B referred to by Glisson were shown in her handwritten notes:

Rec'd in prop. sealed cb b.
Exb A = E-324: one sm. white cardboard pillbox sealed 6 black tape & attached to MP prop tag cont. head hairs taken from head & her hair brush (of Helena Werle Stoeckley)
Exb B = E-325: one sm. film cannister cont. hair like sealed (stapled) plastic bag cont.
hairs from nightgown of Kimberly MacDonald.

Exb A = E-324: many (120) long med. brown end fragmented, light brown [diagram] striated pigmentation with frag medulla; diam wider then changes to narrower diameter & med brown with no medulla, & more dotted pigment granules change to gray black brown with granulor pigmentation toward root all hairs have ~ characteristics

Exb B = E-325: clump of hairs with some colorless, red & blue & green fibers. some broken and some long - curly. lt med brown throughout with frag prominent medulla & striated pigmentation granules along with granules (salt and pepper) also one long eccentric granule all hairs have ~ characteristics.
(Exhibit 1, p. 37)

March 29, 1972:  USACIL Consolidated Report

Webmaster note:  There is no reference to this exhibit in the USACIL Consolidated Report.

FBI Findings re: synthetic fibers


February 13, 1991:  Affidavit of Robert Webb (FBI)

     13.  In connection with this matter I examined one(1) fiber identified to me as Q49 and two(2) fibers identified to me as Q46. Each of these fibers was determined to be polyvinylidene chloride, also known as "saran".

          It is noted the Q46 fibers do differ slightly in chemical composition from the Q49 fiber. This slight difference indicated the respective fibers did not originate from precisely the same manufacturing source of batch during the manufacturing process.

     14.  In connection with this matter I examined one(1) fiber identified to me as Q48 and fibers identified to me as K47. Each of these fibers was determined to be a mixture of acrylonitrile and vinyl chloride/vinylidene chloride, also known as "modacrylic" fibers. These fibers match each other in chemical composition and did, therefore, originate from the same manufacturing source and particular product or from separate products composed of raw materials from the same source or batch.

February 14, 1991:  Affidavit of Michael Malone (FBI)

     12.  In connection with this matter I examined a clear handled hairbrush, specimen Q-131A (CID Exhibit K, E-323). (See Photo Exhibit 1 Q131A (CID E323): Clear hairbrush
Q131A (CID E323): Clear hairbrush
) I removed two light blond saran fiber fragments (Q-131A) from this brush.1 (See Photo Exhibit 8) I also examined one light blond saran fiber (Q-49) (See Photo Exhibits 5-7) and two blond saran fibers (Q-46) (See Photo Exhibits 9-11) which had been previously removed from this brush (CID Exhibit K, and E-323). It should be noted that specimens Q-46 and Q-49 were resubmitted to the FBI Laboratory in 1990 in a sealed plastic bag, which contained a cardboard box which had markings that included the notation "Synthetic Hairs E-35, J, K, E-35, and E-321" as well as "Q-43-Q54 PMS." (See Photos Exhibits 2-3) The former notations have been identified to me by retired Army CID chemist Janice S. Glisson as being in her handwriting, the latter I recognize as being the FBI Laboratory markings pertaining to the inventory of these items in connection with examinations conducted by retired FBI examiner Paul M. Stombaugh.

     Specimen Q-46 was further contained in a cardboard slide mailer bearing the marking "Q-46 PMS" and "K Synthetic hair blond," the former I recognize as the markings of Paul Stombaugh, the latter was identified to me by Janice Glisson as being in her handwriting. (See Photo Exhibit 9.) Specimen Q-49 is similarly marked and was similarly identified to me by Janice Glisson (See Photo Exhibit 5). Further, I have examined the laboratory bench notes of Janice Glisson contained in the Affidavit of John J. Murphy at page 25, and have been advised by Janice Glisson that her references in her notes, to "blond" "synthetic striated fibers made to look like hairs" in Exhibit K (E-323), relate to specimens Q-46 and Q-49 ("synthetic hairs blond"). It should be noted that the instrumental analysis of specimens Q-46 and Q-49 by FBI Special Agent Examiner Robert Webb, whose report I have read, reflects that Q-46 and Q-49 are composed primarily of "saran." Further, it is noted that these fibers do differ slightly from each other in chemical composition and color, which indicates that they did not originate from precisely the same manufacturing source or batch of raw materials. Accordingly, I have described specimen Q-49 as being a "light blond saran fiber" (See Photo Exhibit 7) and specimen Q-46 as being "two blond saran fibers." It should be further noted that two light blond saran fibers which I personally removed from the clear handled hairbrush, (Q-131A, CID #K and E-323) are consistent with the light blond saran fiber previously removed from the clear handled hair brush by Janice Glisson and mounted on the Q-49 Slide. All of these saran fibers (Q-46, Q-49, Q-131A) are consistent with the type of fibers normally used in the production of doll hair and are similar to a known sample of saran doll hair from the FBI Laboratory reference collection (See Photo Exhibit 12 Known saran doll hair (FBI reference collection)
Known saran doll hair (FBI reference collection)
). These fibers (Q-46, Q-49, Q-131A) are not consistent with the type of fibers normally used in the manufacture of wigs, and based on my comparisons, are not like any of the known wig fibers currently in the FBI Laboratory reference collection.

     In connection with this matter I examined doll hair from a "Pollyana" doll (K48), a "Dancerina" doll (K49), a doll previously identified as belonging to Colette MacDonald (K50) and compared the "hair" from these dolls to the aforementioned hair-like fibers found in the clear handled hairbrush (Q-131A) and in the blue handled hairbrush (Q-132). The hair-like fibers from these hairbrushes were dissimilar to "hair" from these dolls and could not be associated with these particular dolls.

     Specimen Q-48 consists of a single cardboard slide mailer previously marked "Q-48 PMS" by Paul Stombaugh, and "K grey synthetic," by Janice Glisson, which was also found in the cardboard box containing specimens Q-43 to Q-54 marked "Synthetic hairs" by Janice Glisson (See Photo Exhibits 2, 3, 13, 14, 15). The slide on which specimen Q-48 was mounted, contains a grey delustered modacrylic [modified acrylic] fiber, previously removed from the clear handled hairbrush (Q-131A) and exhibits the same microscopic and optical properties as the grey delustered modacrylic fibers found in the K-47 fall previously owned by Colette MacDonald.2 (See Photo Exhibits 16-18B).

Related exhibit

K47 Fall (hairpiece) previously owned by Colette MacDonald

Webmaster notes


Regarding the findings of synthetic fibers in this brush, FBI examiner Michael Malone identifies Q46, Q48 and Q49 as coming from this clear hairbrush.  However, the notes of Paul Stombaugh (FBI) describe Q46, Q48 and Q49 as coming from the white hairbrush (see Exhibit E35).

More confusion is found in Stombaugh's notes.  On page 17, he describes Q75 as coming from Exhibit K (Kleenex box), and on page 63, he again describes Q75 as coming "from Kleenex box."  Yet on page 65, he describes Q75 as coming "from clear brush."

The confusion may possibly stem from the fact that Exhibit K is shown in CID reports as being the Kleenex box, while in other documents Exhibit K is described as being the original designation for the clear-handled hairbrush.  On April 16, 1971, Janice Glisson (CID) re-designated item "K", the clear-handled hairbrush, as E323.


NOTES

February 17, 1970 - April 10, 1972: Excerpts from CID Reinvestigation    

July 5, 1970: Pre-Article 32 defense questioning of William Ivory (CID)    

July 13, 1970: Dillard Browning (CID) at the Article 32 hearing, re: hair samples from Colette MacDonald    

July 14, 1970: Pamela Kalin (babysitter) at the Article 32 hearing

August 13, 1970: William Posey at the Article 32 hearing

ca. 1970: Excerpt from Helena Stoeckley's letter to Kathy Smith    

August 15 and 16, 1970: Jeffrey MacDonald at the Article 32 hearing    

September 9, 1970: William Ivory (CID) at the Article 32 hearing

February 1, 1971: Excerpts from statement of Vicki Kalin

May 5, 1971: Excerpt from statement of Kathy Smith to Richard Mahon (CID)    

June 26, 1973: Excerpt from U.S. Attorney McNamara's memo to the DOJ    

October 24, 1974: Dillard Browning (CID) at the Grand Jury    

November 21, 1974: Richard Mahon (CID) at the Grand Jury

1971-1975: Excerpts from notes of Paul Stombaugh (FBI)      

August 15, 1979: James Milne at trial

August 17, 1979: Helena Stoeckley at trial

August 17, 1979: Jane Zillioux at trial

August 17, 1979: Robert Brisentine at trial

August 17, 1979: William Posey at trial

August 20, 1979: P. E. Beasley (Fayetteville police detective) at trial

August 20, 1979: William Posey at trial

August 23, 1979: Jeffrey MacDonald at trial    

August 28, 1979: Final arguments at trial

August 1981: Excerpt from Brief for the United States

August 16, 1982: Excerpts from decision re: Appeal from the U. S. District Court

July 12, 1984: Excerpts from Affidavit of Richard Mahon (CID)

March 1, 1985: Excerpts from United States of America vs. Jeffrey MacDonald

December 17, 1985: Excerpts from U. S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals decision

October 13, 1990: Excerpts from Affidavit of Bernard Segal

October 16, 1990: Excerpt from Affidavit of John Thornton

October 16, 1990: Excerpts from Affidavit of John Murphy

October 19, 1990: Excerpts from Defense brief seeking relief from conviction

December 4, 1990: FBI report re: interview of Edward Oberhaus re: use of synthetic fibers in wigs    

January 24, 1991: Affidavit of Edward Oberhaus re: use of synthetic fibers in wigs    

February 5, 1991: Affidavit of Janice Glisson (CID)    

February 13, 1991: Affidavit of Robert Webb (FBI) re: synthetic fibers    

February 14, 1991: Affidavit of Michael Malone (FBI)    

February 19, 1991: Excerpts from Affidavit of Brian Murtagh    

February 22, 1991: U.S. Response to Defense's Petition for Post-Conviction Relief

May 21, 1991: Supplemental Affidavit of Michael Malone (FBI)    

June 26, 1991: Hearing on defense's second petition for writ of habeas corpus    

July 8, 1991: U. S. District Court decision denying MacDonald's petition for writ of habeas corpus

July 9, 1991: Defense Memorandum re: Judge Dupree's July 8, 1991 decision and future strategy

July 12, 1991: Defense motion to enter John Murphy's Affidavit #3 into the record

July 12, 1991: Excerpts from Affidavit of John Murphy

June 2, 1992: United States 4th Circuit Court of Appeals decision

November 20, 1992: Memo of alleged statements of Dr. Frishman re: use of saran in wigs    

1993: The Police Chief, "FATAL VISION REVISITED: The MacDonald Murder Case"    

February 5, 1997: Summary of the MacDonald murder case, allegedly written by Jerry Potter

August 29, 1997: Excerpts from U.S. v. Jeffrey R. MacDonald decision

September 8, 1998: U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals decision re: saran fibers

February 19, 2009: Excerpt from defense's corrected motion for appeal