South Puget Sound Community College

Most facially recognizable to family/friends Asian Tsunami Mass Casualties (MCI) Terrorist attacks Joint contributionsIDENTITY:-critical for case-proves homicide occurred-starting point for investigation

Most victims knew killer “stranger homicides” Victimology profileAT THE SCENE:-friends/family-follow protocols-body photographed (complete description)-fingerprinted

CLOTHING/POSSESSIONS:-never use clothes alone-ID/DL/SS Card/School ID-clothing for sizes/brands/dry cleaning tagsPHOTOGRAPHS:-Full facial/sides -Tats/scarsX-RAYS:-Medical records

DESCRIPTION OF BODY:-Deformities/markings/abnormalities/distinctive traits-Name/age/sex/race/length or height/build/shape of

faceNeck/hair/facial hair/forehead/eyes/ears/nose/chin or

jaw/mouth/teeth/lips/hands/fingers/feet/piercings/tattoos

Scars/prosthesis/dentures/malformationsJEWLERY/WATCHES:-distinctive/inscriptions/jewelers marks/wear

patterns/”rare piece”-expensive jewelry can be traced

-distinctive jewelry can be released to media sourcesFINGERPRINTS:-3 principles-vics prints on file-AFISOBTAINING PRINTS FRON DECEDENT:-Post mortem print equipment (spoon)Mummification:-amputate/softenSoaked (shriveled):-Inject/rehydrate

De-gloving:-skin peels off-wear the gloveAdvanced decomposition:-Various techniquesMCI:-Fingerprints/whole body x-rays/DNA (Flight 800)DNA: WTC-miniplexes developed-STR obtained from badly degraded samples-SNPs & extensive mitrochondial sequencing employed

TEETH:-ante mortem records-forensic odontology-powerful cameras/x-rays/medical recordsAGE:-predictable process in teeth-accurate under age 14-baby teeth-7 -24 months-loss at 5-6

-Past 14 years old-wear patterns-estimate age within 5 years of accuracy (>14)-within 6 months (<14)FACIAL FEATURES:-square/tapering/ovoid-lower front teeth in position to upper front • Normal anatomical position (lower fit inside upper)• Overbite (protruding jaw)• Prognathic-lower teeth protrude

Race/socioeconomic group/occupation or habitsPositive ID:-most effective when prints not available-scientific means-no two sets of teeth exactly alikeBONES: anthropology-age-sex-race-height-R or L handedness-Not positive ID but part of process

Age:-Trained radiologist/anthropologist-unpredictable to considerably accurate-<30 reliability of formula decreases -tooth structure more accurate than gross bones-epiphyses: stage of uniting of bones varying w/age-ossification centers: produce calcium -womb -finish at early 20’s-formulas up to 25 yrs old considerable accuracy

Skull:-Sutures-curved bones joined together-early 20’s fill w/bone & close-continues w/age and follows specific pattern-remains of 30-80 yrs old given in 7-10 yr bracketsPelvic Bone: -changes at 5 yr intervalsSex:-whole skelton-90% accuracy-pelvic most accurate -females-distinctive: had child/children

Race:Skull-Caucasoid/Negroid/Mongoloid-mixed racesHeight:-measure long bones comparing w/simple table-within 1” of accuracy-overweight/emaciated by muscle attachments-R/L handed-bones of dominant arm slightly longer-past trauma

Cause of death:-skull most likely toolFacial reconstruction:-experts in field: too large an error of marginFORENSIC ART:-collaborative effort-multidisciplinary:*anatomy/biology/anthro/psych/pathology/odont

Four categories of forensic art:-Composite imagery: combination of individually

described parts-Image modification/identification:

manipulation/enhancement/comparison/categorization of photos. (age progressions)

-Demonstrative evidence: Visual presentations for court/2 or 3 dimensional or electronically created

-Reconstructive/Post mortem ID aids

Forensic art & ID of remains:-art is done to attach a name to the deceased that will lead

to + ID2 dimensional Facial reconstruction:-receive the skull-gather case info-prepare/protect skull-glue mandible to jaw-cutting/applying tissue depth markers (race/sex)-photographed ( 1:1 scale)

-semi transparent paper taped over top of photos-artist draws face using tissue markers as guide

-anatomical formulas: eyes, nose, mouth3 Dimensional Reconstruction:-items from scene can be placed w/skull-eyeglasses, dentures, jewelry, etc.ID of decedent is critical to overall success of

investigation!-no ID-no suspect