NCJ Number
196028
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal Volume: 35 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2002 Pages: 57-65
Date Published
June 2002
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article reports on a case in which a corpse was identified through its various distinctive skeletal features.
Abstract
Although identification of a corpse most often is achieved with matchable ante mortem records such as dental X-rays, certain skeletal features may help in an identification when records are difficult to obtain. Identifying skeletal features may include lesions or changes related to past trauma, surgical procedures, lifestyle, or general health and disease. In the case reported in this article, at the time of autopsy and for approximately 1 month thereafter, no medical records were forthcoming that would be useful in identifications. Attempts to recover fingerprints from mummified skin tissue proved negative. Military dental X-ray records subsequently became available and confirmed the identity of the remains as those of the missing person. Absent such records in the early part of the investigation, the identification procedures focused on the distinctive characteristics of the skeletal remains. The scars of facial and hand fractures likely reflected reports that a suspected decedent was once hospitalized for a fractured skull; and before that suffered arm or hand fractures in a car accident. An unusual opening in the wall of an external auditory meatus appeared to indicate spousal recollections of hearing loss in the subject and fluid draining from his ear during the hospitalization. A tunnel through a proximal tibia appeared to reflect reported knee surgery at another time. All observations of the condition of skeletal remains may combine to make a strong case for identification when specific ante mortem records are unavailable. 4 figures and 15 references