NCJ Number
139590
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 42 Issue: 6 Dated: (November-December 1992) Pages: 523-530
Date Published
1992
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The recent examination of skeletal remains by forensic anthropologists in the Division of Anthropology of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, at the request of a law enforcement agency, exemplifies the benefits of close cooperation between law enforcement officers and physical anthropologists.
Abstract
The remains were found below a tree in a national forest. One bone adhered to the noose in a rope hanging from a branch of the tree. The law enforcement agency asked the Smithsonian anthropologists to determine the age, race, sex, and stature of the deceased person; any distinguishing characteristics; evidence of trauma before or at the time of death; cause and manner of death; and time elapsed since death. This information enabled the law enforcement agency to determine a possible victim. Facial photographs of this individual were then provided so that video images of the photographs should be compared with skull images through computer-assisted photographic superimposition. This comparison revealed many similarities and no differences. A dental examination confirmed the findings. Currently under investigation as a homicide, the case shows the usefulness of anthropological analysis. The anthropologist can examine the skeletal remains, interpret the resulting data, and view remains at their original location to determine possible promising leads to follow up in the subsequent skeletal examination. Photographs, address from which to obtain further information, and 2 references