NCJ Number
164344
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 41 Issue: 3 Dated: (May 1996) Pages: 518-520
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The authors describe their application of a previously reported method for facial casting of severely disfigured corpses, which allowed a three-dimensional cast to be made for the purpose of victim identification.
Abstract
A 40-year-old man committed suicide by standing between the rails on a train track and waiting for the collision. Destruction of the body was such that visual identification of the subject was impossible, so a restorative procedure was attempted to help identify the person. The method, which is described in detail in this article, involved several stages: face restoration, casting by elastomer, then three-dimensional positive image building. Photographs of the reconstruction were taken and given to the magistrate. Meanwhile, the victim was identified by fingerprints. A photograph of the deceased was obtained to compare with the reconstruction. The reconstruction was deemed to be of average accuracy. The whole face was too thick, and the nose was too wide, which could be explained by the absence of nasal bones. The proportions of the face were generally accurate, however, and the cast probably could have assisted in identifying the subject. 6 figures and 9 references