Multidisciplinary forensic approach – investigation of a neonaticide and alleged concomitant rape

Abstract

In the case presented, a young woman claimed to have spontaneously aborted a 30-weeks old fetus conceived after being raped by her cousin. The police investigation was centred on a probable neonaticide, mitigated by a possible rape. In Israel, the crime of rape carries a heavy punishment similar to that of first degree murder. Thus the implementation of the most recent scientific forensic techniques is of paramount importance in charging or clearing a suspected rapist. The skeletonized fetal remains were found four months after the reputed abortion. The alleged neonaticide was supported by the results of the forensic clinical and anthropological examinations, while the rape accusation was dismissed by the results of the molecular biology identification of the skeletonized fetal remains. The aim of this report is to encourage the forensic community to apply a multi-disciplinary approach, thus maximizing the decision making competence of the courts of law.