Buried Human Remains Research Articles

Odor Analysis of Decomposing Buried Human Remains*

This study, conducted at the University of Tennessee's Anthropological Research Facility (ARF), lists and ranks the primary chemical constituents which define the odor of decomposition of human remains as detected at the soil surface of shallow burial sites. Triple sorbent traps were used to collect air samples in the field and revealed eight major classes of chemicals which now contain 478 specific volatile compounds associated with burial decomposition. Samples were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and were collected below and above the body, and at the soil surface of 1.5-3.5 ft. (0.46-1.07 m) deep burial sites of four individuals over a 4-year time span. New data were incorporated into the previously established Decompositional Odor Analysis (DOA) Database providing identification, chemical trends, and semi-quantitation of chemicals for evaluation. This research identifies the "odor signatures" unique to the decomposition of buried human remains with projected ramifications on human remains detection canine training procedures and in the development of field portable analytical instruments which can be used to locate human remains in shallow burial sites.

Modelling the buried human body environment in upland climes using three contrasting field sites

Despite an increasing literature on the decomposition of human remains, whether buried or exposed, it is important to recognise the role of specific microenvironments which can either trigger or delay the rate of decomposition. Recent casework in Northern England involving buried and partially buried human remains has demonstrated a need for a more detailed understanding of the effect of contrasting site conditions on cadaver decomposition and on the microenvironment created within the grave itself. Pigs ( Sus scrofa) were used as body analogues in three inter-related taphonomy experiments to examine differential decomposition of buried human remains. They were buried at three contrasting field sites (pasture, moorland, and deciduous woodland) within a 15 km radius of the University of Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. Changes to the buried body and the effect of these changes on hair and associated death-scene textile materials were monitored as was the microenvironment of the grave. At recovery, 6, 12 and 24 months post-burial, the extent of soft tissue decomposition was recorded and samples of fat and soil were collected for gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis. The results of these studies demonstrated that (1) soil conditions at these three burial sites has a marked effect on the condition of the buried body but even within a single site variation can occur; (2) the process of soft tissue decomposition modifies the localised burial microenvironment in terms of microbiological load, pH, moisture and changes in redox status. These observations have widespread application for the investigation of clandestine burial and time since deposition, and in understanding changes within the burial microenvironment that may impact on biomaterials such as hair and other associated death scene materials.

Forensic genetics

Forensic genetics

Detecting buried human remains using near-surface geophysical instruments

To improve the recovery rate of unlocated buried human remains in forensic investigations, there is scope to evaluate and develop techniques that are applicable to the Australian environment. I established controlled gravesites (comprising shallow buried kangaroos, pigs, and human cadavers) in South Australia, to allow the methodical testing of remote sensing equipment for the purpose of grave detection in forensic investigations. Eight-month-old pig graves are shown to provide more distinct identifying results using ground-penetrating radar when compared to four-year-old kangaroo graves. Two further aspects of this research are presented: information (obtained from a survey) relating to the police use of geophysical instruments for locating buried human remains, and the use of electrical resistivity for locating human remains buried in a coffin.The survey of Australian police jurisdictions, covering the period 1995-2000, showed that police searches for unlocated bodies have not successfully located human remains using any geophysical instruments (such as ground-penetrating radar, magnetometers, or electrical resistivity).Lower resistivity readings were found coincident with the 150-year-old single historical burial in a heavily excavated field, in a situation where its exact location was previously unknown.

Detecting Buried Bodies using Near-Surface Geophysical Instruments

Remote sensing instruments have increasingly been applied to assist police locate buried murder victims, particularly during the last ten years. For the forensic investigator it is still a problem to identify the exact location of buried human skeletal remains within a large targeted search area. This presentation describes unique Australian research in forensic anthropology that is currently examining the application and effectiveness of geophysical instruments for the detection of buried skeletal remains. Three aspects of the research are covered in this discussion: a national survey of Australian police jurisdictions conducted to establish how clandestine graves are located and the extent of the application of geophysical instruments in forensic case situations; the controlled experimental gravesites used to test the effectiveness of selected geophysical instruments representative of forensic case scenarios; and a situation in which resistivity was successfully applied to the detection of a 150 year old burial. The national survey of police investigation section reveals that no reported locations of bodies have used geophysical instruments. This research will have significant impact on being able to provide data on reliable techniques for criminal investigations. The experimental gravesites contain kangaroos, pigs and cadavers, and on the animal graves, ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic induction have presented positive results in locating the burials. This is the only known international research in this field that involves the burial of cadavers and presents a unique opportunity to establish a base of working field knowledge.

Cadaver Dog and Handler Team Capabilities in the Recovery of Buried Human Remains in the Southeastern United States

The detection of human remains that have been deliberately buried to escape detection is a problem for law enforcement. Sometimes the cadaver dog and handler teams are successful, while other times law enforcement and cadaver dog teams are frustrated in their search. Five field trials tested the ability of four cadaver dog and handler teams to detect buried human remains. Human and animal remains were buried in various forested areas during the summer months near Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The remains ranged in decomposition from fresh to skeletonized. Cadaver dogs detected with varying success: buried human remains at different stages of decomposition, buried human remains at different depths, and buried decomposed human and animal remains. The results from these trials showed that some cadaver dogs were able to locate skeletonized remains buried at a significant depth. Fresh and skeletonized remains were found equally by the cadaver dogs along with some caveats. Dog handlers affected the reliability of the cadaver dog results. Observations and videotape of the cadaver dogs during field trials showed that they were reliable in finding buried human remains.

Searching for Graves Using Geophysical Technology: Field Tests with Ground Penetrating Radar, Magnetometry, and Electrical Resistivity

Field experiments were conducted using three types of geophysical equipment in a variety of situations. The goal of the study was to ascertain the relative utility of this technology for non-geophysical expert forensic professionals searching for buried human remains. The study concludes that the equipment should be used with caution after a critical evaluation of specific field conditions, and more refinement of technical methods and skills should be developed.

Forensic GPR: finite-difference simulations of responses from buried human remains

Time domain 2.5-D finite-difference simulations of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) responses from models of buried human remains suggest the potential of GPR for detailed non-destructive forensic site investigation. Extraction of information beyond simple detection of cadavers in forensic investigations should be possible with current GPR technology. GPR responses are simulated for various body cross-sections with different depths of burial, soil types, soil moisture contents, survey frequencies and antenna separations. Biological tissues have high electrical conductivity so diagnostic features for the imaging of human bodies are restricted to the soil/skin interface and shallow tissue interfaces. A low amplitude reflection shadow zone occurs beneath a body because of high GPR attenuation within the body. Resolution of diagnostic features of a human target requires a survey frequency of 900 MHz or greater and an increment between recording stations of 10 cm or less. Depth migration focuses field GPR data into an image that reveals accurate information on the number, dimensions, locations and orientations of body elements. The main limitation on image quality is attenuation in the surrounding soil and within the body. 3-D imaging is also feasible.

A Review of: The Detection of Human Remains

Abstract A number of well-publicized buried body cases (Cummins Prison Farm in Arkansas-1968; Texas Homosexual Murders of Dean Cor11-1973; and the John Wayne Gacy bodies under the house in Des Plains, Illinois-1978) have pointed to the need for organized efforts in fending and excavating buried human remains. Burial recovery should not be relegated to convicts or other untrained personnel but should be conducted scientifically by the forensic science team. The forensic anthropologist/archaeologist is a key member of this team. This is a theme of Edward W. Killam's reference book, The Detection of Human Remains, which provides a summary of the problems involved in the detection of buried bodies and describes the techniques which can be utilized for their recovery.

The Black Soldier Fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) As a Potential Measure of Human Postmortem Interval: Observations and Case Histories

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L.), has been shown to be a ubiquitous inhabitant of both surface and buried human remains throughout the southern, central and western United States and Hawaii. Unlike most other species of forensically important Diptera, this species frequently dominates bodies in the dry/post decay stage of decomposition. Adults of the black soldier fly appear to initiate oviposition (egg laying) 20 to 30 days postmortem. Even at warm temperatures (27.8 degrees C), subsequent completion of the life cycle can require an additional 55 days. Life history data for H. illucens, when used in combination with data for other cohabiting arthropod species and viewed in the context of local environmental conditions, can provide medicolegal investigators with valuable parameters for estimating the postmortem intervals for badly decomposed remains.