NCJ Number
229070
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 59 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2009 Pages: 637-653
Date Published
December 2009
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study presents an example of interagency cooperation that led to the recovery and quick identification of decedents involved in a multi-fatality traffic accident.
Abstract
Findings show that the extreme charring and fragmentation of the remains made positive identification difficult despite the early presumptive identification. Radiographs were necessary because of the damage caused by the fires; when radiographs were not available or when damage was too significant, circumstantial identification was made. The procedures used by the Los Angeles County Coroner for circumstantial identification are strict, requiring proof that the decedent "could be this person and only this person" based on the circumstantial identification. Additionally, difficulties in recovery were caused by the location within the tunnel; the fire burned so long and so hot that the tunnel itself was significantly damaged. Concrete over rebar heated to such a degree that large sections simply fell away from the rebar, leaving the tunnel sides and roof in shaky structural condition. Figures and references