Importance of DNA analysis for identification and confirmation of human remains, following a forensic autopsy

Abstract

Various forensic techniques are used to identify a human corpse, depending on the circumstances and the state of remains. Unfortunately, the standard forensic identification methods were not sufficient in 30–35% of all victims, therefore DNA identification was necessary. We have found that a forensic autopsy does not always give reliable answers to important questions, for example: What is the amount of time lapsed between the moment of death and the skeletal remains discovery? and What is the age of the deceased? In fact, it could often cause an erroneous identification strategy choice. This paper describes the forensic application of current DNA technology to solve a missing person’s case. The disappearance of a 57 year old male was reported in a town in the north of Serbia in August 2017. In January 2018, in that geographical area parts of skeletal remains, remains of clothes and a watch were found and sent to the Institute for Forensic Medicine. The age of the person was estimated to be between 75–80 years, and it was estimated that the remains had been buried for more than 10 years. This report confused the police, because they did not have a missing person of the above description on record. However, the DNA analysis of a bone sample has shown that the remains belong to the 57 year old missing person who disappeared 5 months prior and for whom the son was the reference sample donor. Complete DNA profiles obtained using AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler® Plus, AmpFℓSTR® NGM™, GlobalFiler™, Investigator® 24plex QS kit, AmpFℓSTR® Yfiler® and AmpFlSTR® Yfiler® Plus PCR Amplification kits were a match with the reference sample of the victim’s son (probability 99.9995147%). This work has shown that for identification of skeletal remains and solving missing persons cases, the forensic application of the latest DNA technology is of utmost importance.