Integrated DNA and Fingerprint Analyses in the Identification of 60-Year-Old Mummified Human Remains Discovered in an Alaskan Glacier

• NCJ Number: 231238
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 55 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2010 Pages: 813-818
• Author(s): Odile M. Loreille, Ph.D.; Ryan L. Parr, Ph.D.; Kevin A. McGregor, B.S.; Colleen M. Fitzpatrick, Ph.D.; Chriss Lyon, B.S.; Dongya Y. Yang, Ph.D.; Camilla F. Speller, M.A.; Michael R. Grimm, C.P.L.E.; Michael J. Grimm; Jodi A. Irwin, Ph.D.; Edward M. Robinson, M.F.S.
• Date Published: May 2010
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Case Study
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report describes the identification of a merchant mariner who perished in 1948 when Northwest Airlines Flight 4422, a DC-4 carrying 24 seamen and 6crew members crashed into Mount Sanford, Alaska.

Abstract

Fifty-one years later, a human forearm and hand were found close by the wreckage of the plane, prompting identification efforts using DNA and fingerprints. There were significant challenges to both the fingerprint and DNA analyses. The hand was badly desiccated, making fingerprint friction-ridge detail almost invisible and the remains had been embalmed upon discovery, making DNA amplification difficult. The authors present the results of an interdisciplinary approach that successfully addressed these challenges and ultimately led to the identification of the remains. These efforts relied on efficient fingerprint rejuvenation and imaging techniques that improved print resolution, as well as new DNA extraction techniques optimized for aggressively embalmed remains. 3 figures, 3 tables, and 17 references (Published Abstract)