Novel Computer-Assisted Identification Method Using Radiograph Comparison

• NCJ Number: 248511
• Author(s): Sharon M. Derrick Ph.D.; Jennifer C. Love Ph.D.; Jason M. Wiersema Ph.D.; John A. Hipp Ph.D.; N. Shastry Akella Ph.D.; Jim Zeigler Ph.D.
• Date Published: October 2013
• Length: 55 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2010-DN-BX-K194
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
• Corporate Author: Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences
• Publication Format: Document; Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Report (Grant Sponsored)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The purpose of this project was to develop a statistically robust, quantitative method for identification of unidentified decedents through software-based comparison of antemortem and postmortem skeletal radiographs.

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to develop a statistically robust, quantitative method for identification of unidentified decedents through software-based comparison of antemortem and postmortem skeletal radiographs. The project has modified existing technology (QMA software) to develop and test a quantitative method of radiographic identification for routine use and is targeted for fleshed adult decedents presenting to the medical examiners and coroner's office with a suggested or tentative name and available radiographic records. Over 54,000 radiograph comparisons were made, analyzing the shapes of targeted skeletal elements and determining a "correct match" and resulted in the Computer-Assisted Decedent Identification (CADI) method which utilizes the modified QMA software.