NCJ Number
197315
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 47 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2002 Pages: 937-939
Date Published
September 2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a case in which a cranium from an unknown individual was identified by comparing antemortem and postmortem computerized tomographic (CT) images of the bony structure of the skull.
Abstract
Human skeletal remains that consisted of approximately half a skeleton were found on a Colorado mountainside. There were no obvious bone duplications, so it was initially believed that the degree of weathering, robustness, and time since death were consistent with the remains being those of a single individual. Time since death was estimated at a minimum of 6 months to as long as several years. The general description fit that of a 42-year-old Caucasian man who was last seen in the vicinity nearly 2 years before the remains were discovered. He had disappeared in a severe blizzard and was extremely weak and in failing health; he had also left a suicide note prior to his disappearance; however, antemortem X-rays of this missing man did not match the remains in every respect. This suggested that either the remains were not those of the missing man, or the remains were those of more than one decedent. It was apparent that antemortem skull data would be necessary to resolve the issue. Ideally, these should have involved skull X-rays, although dental X-rays might prove acceptable and be easier to obtain. Dental X-rays were not available for the missing man, but the man had undergone a head CT scan 9 days prior to his disappearance. A comparison of the antemortem and postmortem CT scans showed that frontal and sphenoid sinus details, as well as fine septal bony details of the ethmoid air cells were exactly the same. In addition, images through the mastoid air cells were also identical. This paper also discusses how to overcome some of the difficulties in using this method of identification. 1 illustrative figure and 8 references