Radiological, Forensic, and Anthropological Studies of a Concrete Block Containing Bones

• NCJ Number: 236213
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 56 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2011 Pages: 1328-1333
• Author(s): Fabrice Dedouit, M.D., Ph.D.; David Gainza, M.D.; Nicolas Franchitto, M.D.; Francis Joffre, M.D., Ph.D.; Herve Rousseau, M.D., Ph.D.; Daniel Rouge, M.D., Ph.D.; Norbert Telmon, M.D., Ph.D.
• Date Published: September 2011
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Presented at the 62nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, February 2010, Seattle, WA, U.S.A.

Annotation

Multidisciplinary forensic, anthropological, and radiological studies of bone fragments encased in a concrete block were carried out to determine whether or not the bones were human. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) investigation was performed before the bones were removed from the concrete.

Abstract

MSCT study pinpointed the location of the bone fragments within the concrete block, which was helpful for their extraction and recovery, and identified most of their types and nature. Osteological study on dry bones provided more accurate identification of the bones and of their side. According to both methods, the human skeletal remains were compatible with those of a child, aged 8-13 years old, with a minimum height of 128 cm. Neither investigation identified sex or racial phenotype. Both studies identified the skeletal remains as consisting of two animal and five human bones. Furthermore, both methods revealed that the concrete completely encased bones, suggesting a secondary burial. (Published Abstract)