Unidentified Corpses Research Articles

Problems of Implementation of Approaches to Identification of the Victims of Military Aggression on the Territory of Ukraine and Ways to Solve Them

The war in Ukraine has triggered a number of socially negative phenomena, including high mortality rates and a massive influx of mutilated, depersonalized victims of armed conflicts who need to be identified. Despite all the measures taken by the authorities, there are still a large number of unidentified corpses in Ukraine. At the same time, the course toward European integration requires addressing a number of issues related to ensuring the basic principles of international humanitarian law, according to which the body of every deceased person has the right to be identified and handed over to relatives for burial.

Estimation of cadaveric age in crime scenes using Raman spectroscopy

The number of unidentified corpses has been increasing in recent years. There is a need for an objective and readily applicable method to estimate age, which is important information for identification. In previous reports, we reported that the protein folding ratio (RPF) of skin, as measured by Raman spectroscopy using cross sections of skin samples, is highly correlated with age. In this study, we investigated the possibility of estimating age by measuring Raman spectra from the skin surface of cadavers using a portable device.The resultant intercept, slope, and root mean square error were 97.9, – 63.7 (p < 0.0001), and 11.68, respectively. We evaluated this regression formula by using 10-fold cross-validation, resulting in a coefficient of determination of 0.51. The portable Raman spectrometer may be of assistance in estimating age at death of corpses at the scene of discovery.

Possibilities of identity identification during comprehensive examination of bone remains: A case report

One of the most difficult types of research conducted in the forensic department of the Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination is the identification of individuals by bone remains. When examining discovered bone remains, the first stage includes the tasks of determining the belonging of bones to a person and then determining the racial identity, sex, age, and growth of an individual. The set of established characteristics plays a decisive role in further search activities and identification of specific persons. This article presents an actual case. Human bone remains were found in the forest, which was established to belong to a white man. The victim was most likely 173–183.5 cm tall. The anatomical and morphological features of the bones correspond to the age of 49–56.5 years. Further, an identification examination was conducted with the study of radiological images of citizen N (52 years old) using graphic identification algorithms. The results established that the bone remains belong to citizen N. The above case demonstrates the possibilities of identity identification in a comprehensive study of bone remains and confirms the relevance of the problem of identifying unidentified corpses in forensic medicine. However, even today, no specific algorithm has been established for identifying the identity of a corpse in a particular situation, which creates additional difficulties in choosing the most correct method (s). Further modernization and improvement of methods for identifying the identity of unidentified corpses is required, and the search for new, simpler, more accessible and objective research methods has both scientific and significant practical interest.

Modern opportunities of using computer programs and mobile devices in the frame of personality identification

A technology of mobile devices on the basis of Android and iOS sharing, in which previously trained neural networks on the mobile device with the use of the Skull-face program place the reference points in automatic mode with subsequent analysis of the images and obtaining the result in less than 1 min, has been developed. Data processing and acquisition of results immediately at the scene of an accident can provide invaluable assistance in the mass admission of unidentified corpses in cases of emergency; will allow to rapidly, excluding the influence of subjective factor, solve expert tasks, improve the accuracy, effectiveness and performance of forensic personality identification.

Epidemiological characterization and findings in homicides due to suffocation with plastic bags in the city of Medellín, Colombia 2008-2021

IntroductionThis study describes the characteristics of the victims of deaths by homicidal suffocation with plastic bags in the period between 2008 and 2021, in autopsies performed at the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences of the city of Medellin. Materials and methodsA descriptive, retrospective study was carried out, whose information was obtained from the autopsy reports made by forensic doctors of the institution. ResultsOf the 38 772 autopsies performed, 17 703 were homicides, of which 96 (0.54%) were due to the use of plastic bags to produce death. Of the 96 cases analyzed, 92.7% (89) corresponded to men and 7.3% (7) to women. The young male population between the ages of 15 and 27 was the most affected; 74.4% (71) entered as unidentified corpses and in 17.1% (14) the diagnosis of torture was considered within the analysis of the legal medical necropsy.The findings of suffocation in the external examination were facial congestion 67.1% (55), petechiae in the conjunctivae 63.4% (52), petechiae on the face 28.0% (23), lesions in the internal oral mucosa 61.0% (50), and abrasions in the labial commissures 25.6% (21) due to the use of foreign elements in the oral cavity or the application of maneuvers to cause asphyxia. 58.5% (56) presented signs of trauma in other parts of the body that did not explain the cause of death. 36.4% (35) had plastic bags covering the head and adjusted to the neck with some element, 32.3% (31) transparent tape attached to the plastic bag that covered the head, and 31.3% (30) presented a plastic film with the trade name Vinipel MR. 76.8% (73) had their hands and feet tied when the body was found at the scene. ConclusionThis is the first step to obtain information on the characterization of individuals and their macroscopic findings related to homicide deaths due to suffocation with plastic bags, to warn about the actions of organized criminal groups and their practices in the transnational context. However, its analysis requires an adequate exploration of the scene, the results of the investigations carried out by the authority and the performance of an exhaustive necropsy to achieve a diagnosis.

Usefulness of powdered crown of mandibular first premolars in birth year estimation by radiocarbon dating

BackgroundRadiocarbon (14C), whose levels increased in the atmosphere between 1955 and 1963, accumulates in the enamel of human teeth only during the process of tooth formation and has been applied to estimate the birth year of unidentified corpses. However, enamel isolation from teeth is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the birth year using 14C in the crown of a single mandibular first premolar tooth. Materials and methodsFourteen mandibular first premolars collected from forensic autopsies were analyzed. For nine teeth, each tooth was cut longitudinally: half of the tooth was enamel, and the other half was crown (1). For the other five teeth, the entire crown was used (2). Thereafter, the 14C concentration in each tooth was measured using accelerator mass spectrometry. ResultsThe absolute error between the actual date of birth (DOB) and the estimated DOB was within the range of 1.0–8.8 years in the enamel of five teeth and 0.1–4.0 years in the crown halves of seven teeth (1). For the five teeth with entire crowns, the absolute errors ranged between 0.3 and 3.0 years (2). ConclusionThe absolute error of 14C-based year of birth estimation using the powdered crown of the mandibular first premolar teeth ranged between 0.1 and 4.0 years. Our method, which involves pulverizing an entire crown, eliminates the need for the equipment, time, and labor associated with enamel isolation. Therefore, 14C dating using powdered crowns of mandibular premolars can be useful for birth year estimation.

Caracterización epidemiológica y hallazgos en homicidios por sofocación con bolsas de plástico en la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia 2008-2021

IntroductionThis study describes the characteristics of the victims of deaths by homicidal suffocation with plastic bags in the period between 2008 and 2021, in autopsies performed at the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences of the city of Medellín. Materials and methodsA descriptive, retrospective study was carried out, whose information was obtained from the autopsy reports made by forensic doctors of the institution. ResultsOf the 38,772 autopsies performed, 17,703 were homicides, of which 96 (0.54%) were due to the use of plastic bags to produce death. Of the 96 cases analyzed, 92.7% (89) corresponded to men and 7.3% (7) to women. The young male population between the ages of 15 and 27 was the most affected; 74.4% (71) entered as unidentified corpses and in 17.1% (14) the diagnosis of torture was considered within the analysis of the legal medical necropsy.The findings of suffocation in the external examination were facial congestion 67.1% (55), petechiae in the conjunctivae 63.4% (52), petechiae on the face 28.0% (23), lesions in the internal oral mucosa 61.0% (50), and abrasions in the labial commissures 25.6% (21) due to the use of foreign elements in the oral cavity or application of asphyctic maneuvers. 58.5% (56) presented signs of trauma in other parts of the body that did not explain the cause of death. 36.4% (35) had plastic bags covering the head and adjusted to the neck with some element, 32.3% (31) transparent tape attached to the plastic bag that covered the head and 31.3% (30) presented a plastic film with the trade name Vinipel MR. 76.8% (73) had their hands and feet tied when the body was found at the scene. ConclusionThis is the first step to obtain information on the characterization of individuals and their macroscopic findings related to homicide deaths due to suffocation with plastic bags, to warn about the actions of organized criminal groups and their practices in the transnational context. However, its analysis requires an adequate exploration of the scene, the results of the investigations carried out by the authority and the performance of an exhaustive necropsy to achieve a diagnosis.

Improving of the State Fingerprinting Registration in the Russian Federation at the Present Stage

Currently, fingerprinting continues to be one of the main methods in solving crimes and proving in criminal cases. A huge corpus of fingerprint traces of unsolved crimes, fingerprint maps of living persons and unidentified corpses has been formed. In addition, the identification of people by papillary patterns on their hands is one of the fastest, most effective and least expensive methods of identifying people in solving the daily tasks of law enforcement agencies aimed at actively suppressing and preventing all forms of illegal acts. In this regard, there is a need not just to enlarge the circle of persons subject to mandatory state fingerprinting registration, but to consolidate at the legislative level the universal fingerprinting registration of citizens. The issue has been discussed for quite a long time, but it is with a positive decision that a serious potential will be formed in the implementation of the already available fingerprint information in the solving and investigation of crimes of past years and a practically guaranteed result in the implementation of search queries on fingerprint records already in the medium term. The article considers the opinions of scientists and practitioners on the issue of universal mandatory fingerprint registration, as well as the positive experience of using this method of personal identification in foreign countries. A mechanism for the introduction of universal fingerprint registration in practice and ways for the formation of a positive attitude towards this procedure among the population as the means of ensuring public order and the safety of citizens by the state are proposed.

On the issue of using the results of a virtual autopsy in criminal investigation: A review

This study discusses the legislative aspects of using virtual autopsy (virtopsy) results as evidence in criminal cases.&#x0D; When reviewing the literature, several works that present algorithms for using the results of computer modeling of a corpse in the investigative process, as well as the legal aspects of using virtopsy in the field of forensic science and the description of some medical cases, were identified. It also revealed a need for more comprehensive work covering both the legal grounds for using virtopsy results during the investigation and the practical aspects of using this technology for evidence in specific categories of court hearings.&#x0D; A SWOT analysis of the use of virtopsy to improve the quality of crime investigation has been performed. Based on the results of the study, the positive and negative aspects of using virtopsy in investigative actions were identified, and practical recommendations for its use in cases of sudden death, medical errors, and the preparation of an examination of an unidentified corpse were developed.&#x0D; Using virtopsy results increases the validity of the conclusion in judicial practice, its use should complement the results of an autopsy, and the pictures can be attributed to drawings that can be used during investigative actions and, in the future, as evidence by attaching them to the interrogation protocol.&#x0D; Furthermore, virtopsy is used when the deceaseds relatives refuse to have a pathoanatomical autopsy performed, often for religious reasons.&#x0D; Using machine programming elements in computed tomography procedures will allow for a re-examination of the corpse without exhumation, determining whether death occurred due to a service error and increasing the efficiency of forensic medical examinations.

Age estimation by evaluating median palatine suture closure using postmortem CT.

This study sought to develop an age-estimation formula to evaluate the extent of median palatine suture (MP) closure using postmortem computed tomographic (PMCT) images. The PMCT images of 634 Japanese subjects (mean age, 54.5 years; standard deviation [SD], 23.2 years) with known age and sex were examined. The degree of suture closure of the MP, anterior median palatine suture (AMP), and posterior median palatine suture (PMP) was measured and scored (suture closure score, SCS), and a single linear regression analysis was conducted with age at death. On the analysis, SCS of MP, AMP, and PMP showed a significant correlation with age (p < 0.001). The correlation coefficient of MP was higher (0.760, male; 0.803, female; and 0.779, total) than that of AMP (0.726, male; 0.745, female; and 0.735, total) or PMP (0.457, male; 0.630, female; and 0.549, total). The regression formula and standard error of estimation (SEE) of MP were calculated as Age = 100.95 × SCS + 20.51 (SEE 14.87 years) for male subjects, Age = 91.93 × SCS + 26.65 (SEE 14.12 years) for female subjects, and Age = 95.17 × SCS + 24.09 (SEE 14.59 years) for the total, respectively. In addition, another 50 Japanese subjects were randomly selected to validate the age-estimation formula. In this validation, the actual age of 36 subjects (72%) was within the estimated age ± SEE. This study showed that the age estimation formula using PMCT images of MPs was potentially useful for estimating the age of unidentified corpses.

Use of social networking sites and applications in identification of missing and unidentified persons: A robust forensic tool

Social media is an invaluable tool when seeking information or evidence in criminal cases or in finding missing persons. Social media encompasses vast amount of information such as videos, photos, texts posted by criminals, witnesses and/or victims itself. Social media forensics helps recuperation of electronic evidence from social networking sites which often plays a crucial role in the conviction of a suspect. However, there barely exist any applications which can aid in identifying a deceased person.For identification of deceased, forensic odontologists search for antemortem data such as dental casts, X-ray images, portrait pictures showing the anterior teeth etc., for comparison with the post-mortem data. Archetypal features such as tooth rotations, diastemas, missing teeth, supernumerary teeth, crowded teeth, recognizable removable/fixed prostheses and other attributes could be present in the missing person’s profile and can be crosschecked during the autopsy of the unidentified corpse. For this reason, smile photos represent one of the most common sources of dental information, especially when no technical antemortem dental data is available. To date, there is only one forensic application for smartphones which helps in storage of antemortem smile photo of individuals. Storing the antemortem data that is easily accessible from the social media network aids as an important forensic tool especially in natural disasters or terrorist attacks where human identification process can be arduous.

Age prediction based on the examination of bone tissue elemental composition using energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy

Was to assess the possibility of using chemical analysis of bone mineral content by the means of an energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy to determine the age of unidentified corpses for forensic identification. A semi-quantative chemical microanalysis of bone fragments of 85 male and female corpses aged between 21 and 91 was done through the use of energy dispersive X-Ray spectrometer. The association of bone tissue apatite mineral composition with age is confirmed and a formula, connecting age and chemical composition change, is proposed. The possibility of using quantitive evaluation of chemical elements content in the normative mineral to determine the unidentified corpse's age in a standard laboratory, equipped with an energy dispersive X-Ray spectrometer, was proved.

Validity of dental findings for identification by postmortem computed tomography

Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) images help identify individuals and extract information from corpses. PMCT may substitute for a standard examination when bodies are severely damaged or when resources are limited in a mass fatality incident. In such situations, the dental information revealed by PMCT has the potential to narrow down candidates for identification further. However, the validity of the dental findings obtained from PMCT images remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the validity of dental findings on PMCT images compared to regular dental examinations as the reference standard. We routinely collected PMCT images of 148 unidentified corpses and compared the dental findings of each tooth obtained from PMCT with those of a regular dental examination. The validity of dental findings of PMCT was measured by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). We also evaluated the accuracy of dental findings per corpse using 32 teeth as the denominator. The dental findings with high sensitivity and high specificity were a present tooth (0.96 and 0.97), a missing tooth (0.97 and 0.97), pontic (0.92 and 1.00), a dental implant (1.00 and 1.00), and a root filling (0.94 and 0.99). The mean accuracy of the dental findings per corpse in PMCT was 95.6% (standard deviation: 6.9, minimum ≤ median ≤ maximum: 65.6 ≤ 100 ≤ 100). The number of corpses with 100% accuracy in the dental findings was 81 (54.7%). The information obtained in this study highlights the potential use of PMCT during human identification in several settings with limited resources, such as the number of specialists present and the condition of the corpses.

Some legal aspects of identification of unidentified corpses

Some problematic aspects of fingerprinting of unidentified corpses are outlined. It is noted that in the practice of law enforcement agencies there is often a situation related to the discovery of corpses, so there may be questions about the identity of the deceased and search for his relatives, as often at the time of death there are no documents proving his identity. Under such conditions, the use of fingerprinting with the use of the person, finding out the causes and death, crime detection, etc.&#x0D; Today in the country as a whole there is a problem of unsatisfactory normative definition of dactyloscopy of corpses, including with significant posthumous changes, namely there is no procedure at the level of the algorithm that would ensure the mandatory and clear sequence of such a procedure.&#x0D; In particular, it has not been determined which procedural documents the investigator sends to operatives, specialists of the Expert Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination. There is an acute lack of both departmental and interdepartmental regulations (including with units of forensic medical examination), which would functionally consolidate the relevant study. The recommendations available in the literature, on the one hand, are methodologically imperfect, and on the other hand, are not mandatory for forensic workers or law enforcement officers.&#x0D; The problem can be solved by appointing a comprehensive expert study with the involvement of specialists in both fields, on the basis of the forensic bureau. However, first of all, it is necessary to carry out detailed legal regulation of this type of research by departmental regulations and it is necessary to develop a clear step-by-step algorithm for such a comprehensive study.

IDENTIFICACIÓN FORENSE EN CADÁVERES NO IDENTIFICADOS A PARTIR DE TATUAJES: REPORTE DE UN CASO

Introduction: In the forensic identification of unidentifed corpses, several technological clinical tools are used in order to obtain data that may be relevant in the judicial investigation. One of them is the registration and documentation of tattoos. Tattoos are body modifications with marks on the skin made by impregnating the epidermis with various pigments forming diverse figures. Their presence plays a very important role in our society, as it is also in the study of forensic sciences. Case report: The naked corpse of an unidentified female was located in a sewage stream, in an advanced process of putrefaction, with no soft tissues on the face due to cadaveric anthropophagy. In the external inspection, several tattoos were located that made positive forensic identification possible. Discussion: Biometric features, scars, marks on the body and tattoos have been especially important at a legal and forensic level, their state of conservation persists even after an advanced state of cadaveric decomposition, they remain even after the loss of the superficial layers of skin Conclusions. With this report we demonstrate the usefulness of the exterior study of the corpse and inspection of tattoos in the identification of unidentified corpses.

Methods of unidentified corpses identification by dental implants, dentures and orthodontic appliances

Methods of unidentified corpses identification by dental implants, dentures and orthodontic appliances

Розыск лиц, утративших связь с близкими родственниками: ретроспективный анализ и правовые аспекты

The article examines the issue related to the lack of a legal basis for the search by Russian law enforcement agencies for persons who have lost contact with close relatives. Attention is focused on the fact that there are currently no regulatory legal acts regulating the procedure for declaring the above-mentioned persons on the federal wanted list, and therefore the function of the police, which implemented it from 1993 to 2018, has become illegitimate in this part. The thesis is made that the absence of clear norms in Russian legislation regulating the procedure for searching for persons who have lost ties is a significant legal gap that has a negative impact on various public relations. At the same time, it is stated that the Russian society feels the need to search for the above-mentioned persons. Within the framework of the study, the categories “missing person” and “person who has lost family ties” were correlated. In retrospect, individual reasons are described that cause both the loss of family ties and the appeal of relatives to law enforcement agencies with statements about the search for loved ones. Statistical data in the area under consideration are studied. The latter were correlated with information about persons who were put on the wanted list as missing persons, and data on the number of operational records opened in connection with the discovery of unidentified corpses. Direct correlations between various indicators in the field of search have been revealed. The overall result of the work was to determine the methods of legal regulation of the activities of competent subjects of public relations in the field of establishing the locations of persons who have lost contact with close relatives.

К ВОПРОСУ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ БИОМЕТРИЧЕСКИХ ДАННЫХ В ПЕРИОД ДИДЖИТАЛИЗАЦИИ ОБЩЕСТВА

The theme of the research is relevant since innovative technologies based on biometric data are widely introduced into the process of identification and verification of a person in the context of the digitalization of society. In addition, forensic biometric databases solve important tasks for personal identification of unidentified corpses, persons who have committed a crime, and persons on the wanted list. The need is noted for increasing the level of ensuring the protection of biometric personal data, in connection with the increasing cases of their loss or theft around the world. The research is aimed at investigating the meaning and classification of biometric data, highlighting the normative-legal acts regulating relations in the sphere of biometric information circulation, risks and threats to the security of biometric data. During the study, the methods of system-structural, comparative-legal and statistical analysis, formal-logical, general scientific and specific scientific methods of scientific knowledge were used. As a result of activities carried out based on a review of various approaches of domestic and foreign scientists and practitioners, the issues of using biometric information in various spheres of social life, as well as technical, organizational and legal aspects of ensuring the security of biometric data, are considered. The research results can be used in activities related to the circulation of biometric information, in forensic practice, during the classes in educational institutions and advanced training courses for forensic experts. Suggestions and recommendations are given for improving the level of ensuring the security of biometric databases, integrating various types of biometric modalities, systematic testing of biometric systems to protect against external unlawful influences.

Problematic Issues on the Organization of Selecting Person’s Biological Samples for Molecular and Genetic Examination

The article is focused on the procedure of sampling as a criminal procedural action necessary for the commissioning and carrying out molecular genetic expert examination in the divisions of the Expert Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, namely the establishment and comparison of genetic traits of living and dead persons and unidentified corpses within criminal proceedings and civil cases for establishing or refutation of the fact of paternity. The purpose of the work is to provide information about human biological material that can be used as samples for molecular genetic research of living and dead people and unidentified corpses; analysis of errors during sampling of biological material of individuals for each type of samples and determining the methods of storage and transportation of research objects depending on their condition. The author has studied the legal aspects of the procedure of selecting the samples of biological origin according to the rules of identity examination and has indicated the list of documents required for sampling relatives of missing persons for the placement in the central database of human genetic traits. The author has specified the basic requirements for sampling, such as their indisputable belonging to a certain person and reliability of their selection in the minimum quantity necessary for the research. The information that should be indicated on the packaging of biological material has been described. The types of biological material that can be provided for the research as living specimens have been separately studied, namely: nails, blood, buccal epithelium, saliva, which can be provided on a piece of sterile gauze, FTA Cards, cotton, viscose or flock sticks or probe swabs. The author has also defined the persons who have the right to carry out selection from living persons, conditions of selection, drying of samples, possibilities of their long-term storage and conditions of transportation to divisions of the Expert Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. Errors in selecting the packaging of biological material (catheters with heparin filling, Ames medium, polymer containers) have been analyzed. Blood, bone remains, teeth, nails and histological specimens have been studied as types of biological material taken from dead persons and unidentified corpses depending on the condition of the remains, environmental conditions and prescription of death coming.

Necroscapes: The Political Life of Mutilated and Errant Bodies in the Rivers of Colombia

Different narratives in Colombia show how the apparition of mutilated and unidentified corpses in rivers – as an outcome of decades of war and violence – has reorganised national geography, as well as the affective relationships with space and death. Based on literary sources and testimonies, this article analyses how the presence of human remains has affected the ways of life in territories marked by necropolitics, transforming the perception of the threshold between life and death, and the conditions of existence of those involved. First, the article explores how the inhabitants of places located on the banks of the Magdalena and Cauca rivers have elaborated their interactions with the remains that appear on the rivers, and how these interactions produce frictions with expert knowledge and practices such as forensic practices. Secondly, the article describes how through different material and aesthetic mediations these banished corpses have been inscribed in the texture of everyday life. These material and aesthetic mediations include the choosing of ánimas of “NN” corpses (unidentified) in Puerto Berrío or the construction of a Park-Monument in Trujillo to keep the remains of corpses that have been identified there.