NCJ Number
148156
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 39 Issue: 2 Dated: (March 1994) Pages: 557-565
Date Published
1994
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Tooth crown and root fragments from a crime scene in which the body was purposefully cremated, crushed, and scattered were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to aid the victim identification process.
Abstract
The case occurred in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. The Sudbury Regional Police Service contacted the author to examine an area of charred material discovered in and around a stone block and concrete fire pit behind a suburban home. The police had responded to inquiries by family and coworkers regarding the whereabouts of a 48-year-old man who had not been seen for several weeks. The missing man's duties as a traveling dental equipment salesperson explained why no inquiries were made sooner. The author discovered bone and tooth fragments. The SEM was used to confirm the presence of parallel striations in tooth enamel and dentine as a means of determining past dental restoration. Incinerated tooth fragments of determined type and position received SEM analysis and were determined to have had previous dental work that matched the earlier dental records of the missing person. Upon being confronted with the evidence, the suspect confirmed the identity and confessed to intentionally cremating the body. Photographs and 4 references (Author abstract modified)