NCJ Number
225902
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 54 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2009 Pages: 167-176
Date Published
January 2009
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study describes and analyzes the architecture and biomechanical properties of skin based on multiple bitemarks made on unenbalmed cadaver skin from a single characterized dentition.
Abstract
Of the 23 bites made in this study, no 2 bites were visually or measurably identical. Because of the significant differences observed between bitemarks from the same dentition, each bite had to be considered as a unique event because of the morphological difference found between bites and bitemark location on the body. Definite trends of distortion pattern were observed. The inference is that each bitemark must be evaluated individually. Although the dentition can be accurately measured and described mathematically, its imprint on skin has inherent distortion that a prudent examiner might need to analyze before offering an opinion as to a match between a specific dentition and a specific bitemark. Discrepancies might be difficult to justify without the knowledge of skin biomechanics under the stress and location of a bite. Bite indentations were photographed. Following various body manipulations, they were rephotographed in different positions. Hollow volume overlays of the biting dentition were constructed, and metric analyses of the dentition and all bitemarks were completed. The overall intercanine, mesial to distal, and angle of rotation distortion were calculated. 3 tables, 18 figures, and 46 references