NCJ Number
218469
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 52 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2007 Pages: 519-527
Date Published
May 2007
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study examined the effects of taphonomic processes (processes that affect any organism from the time of death to the time of discovery) on blunt force trauma (BFT), using an experimental study with pig heads.
Abstract
The effects of the taphonomic variables examined (freeze-thaw cycle, soil protection/erosion, displacement from rain/snow, bleaching/vegetation staining, movement from animal activity, rodent knawing, and carnivore scavenging) decreased the chance of identifying the number of lesions, direction/force of blows, patterning/timing, and location of lesions from BFT. Typical indicators of BFT--such as radiating, concentric, or hinge fracture--may be disguised by the effects of environmental stress. The authors recommend careful examination of areas that are affected by taphonomy in order to detect underlying evidence of BFT. Thus, it is crucial to involve an experienced forensic anthropologist in the interpretation of remains processed in an outdoor scene. The standards for recording and identifying the presence of BFT suggested by this research are intended to provide investigators with preliminary guidelines for examining BFT on remains affected by taphonomic processes. The study used 10 fresh (unfrozen) pig heads obtained from animals destined for consumer use. A common hammer was used to inflict a number of blows on both the right and left frontal/parietal bones of each specimen, using enough force to perforate the outer table of bone. This created complete fractures, some depressions, hinge fractures, radiating, and concentric fractures. The specimens were placed on the ground surface in a low-brush area among overturned soil. A fence prevented the removal of specimens from the research area while allowing both carnivore and rodent scavengers access to the specimens. Specimens were monitored periodically with photographs for 52 weeks. 7 figures, 5 tables, and 23 references