NCJ Number
130212
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 36 Issue: 3 Dated: (May 1991) Pages: 801-812
Date Published
1991
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Forensic methods for distinguishing human skeletal remains from animal remains are described in case examples of two calvariae found near Oklahoma.
Abstract
Species identification through gross morphology alone was inconclusive. To test the hypothesis that the specimens originated from calves samples, an immunological assessment of dessicated soft tissue was performed through reactivity with precipitating antibodies against the whole serum of bovine, deer, horse, sheep, and human. Microscopic hair examination identified the nonhuman characteristics of centrally distributed pigment granules, large medulla diameters, and abundant ovoid bodies. The latter is typical of bovine hair. A calf cranium with widespread orbits and a human like, vertically bulbous vault indicated origins from a calf with congenital hydrocephaly. To confirm this observation, a morphological comparison with documented museum specimens was performed. Particular focus was placed on the form of the occiput, supraorbital grooves, and bulbous vault and presence of coronal processes. Correct identification of immature bovine crania with congenital hydrocephaly mistakenly identified for crania of pathological human infants is thus possible through immunological assessment, microscopic hair analysis, and comparison with museum exhibits. 9 photographs and 15 references (Author abstract modified)