Identification from skeletal remains

Abstract

The remains of a suspected case of homicide, found to be almost totally skeletal on exhumation, was dug out from a pit in a tract of marshy land in the deep south or Sri Lanka. No clothing or other identifying articles were found with the remains. During exhumation a distinct odour of kerosene oil was observed. Examination revealed that the major part of the skeleton was present, including the skull and lower jaw. Examination of these enabled an opinion to be given on the stature, sex and age of the deceased. The head hair found at exhumation showed evidence of burning. Two groups of injuries were found in the bones. One group was consistent with injuries caused during life and showing the characters of healing and moulding. Although medical records were not available, it was possible to obtain a description of the injuries from the court records as a doctor had given evidence on injuries sustained by the deceased years previously. The other group comprised of injuries that would have caused or contributed to death, or were post-mortem injuries inflicted for purposes of disposal. This case illustrates that personal identification may be established from old healed skeletal injuries.