What type of evidence is often crucial in establishing timelines in investigations?

Physical evidence, such as fingerprints, plays a critical role in establishing timelines in investigations. This type of evidence can provide precise information about when and where a crime took place. For instance, discovering fingerprints at a crime scene can indicate that a particular individual was present at that location, which helps investigators piece together a sequence of events. The timing of when these fingerprints were deposited can also offer insights into the timing of the crime.

In contrast, character evidence of the victim focuses on the victim's personality traits and background rather than hard facts about the crime scene or timeline. Circumstantial evidence, while potentially useful, often requires additional context and may not provide direct indications of timing. Eyewitnesses can provide valuable accounts of events, but their reliability can vary, and their recollections are subject to memory limitations and bias. Thus, while all these types of evidence can contribute to an investigation, physical evidence typically has a more definitive impact on establishing clear timelines.