Unidentified Remains Research Articles

Forensic Analysis of Sexual Dimorphism from Facial Photographs

Abstract Background: Techniques for identifying facial features and proving the individuality of a person’s facial features are used in forensic anthropology. Aims and Objectives: A common method in this area is cranial anthropometry, which has uses in facial reconstruction, locating unidentified remains, and identifying criminal suspects. Materials and Methods: A study analyzed 200 standard full-face photographs of 50 males and 50 females to compare frontal and lateral facial images and identify male and female facial traits. We located landmarks and measured the distances between them. The data were analyzed using statistical tests like t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. Result: The results showed that in 100% of the suggested measurements for both males and females, there were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) between frontal and lateral views. The ANOVA test, however, showed that all suggested measurements showed differences in the lateral aspect, while only 76.92% of them showed differences between the male and female groups in the frontal aspect. Conclusion: In conclusion, statistically significant differences were found, rejecting the null hypothesis of equal means, when the level of significance (α) was lower than the P value (0.05). On the other hand, the null hypothesis was accepted when statistically insignificant differences were found and the level of significance was higher than the P value. Although there were differences between males and females in different views, the distances between landmarks in frontal and lateral views of the same person were generally similar. Measurements taken in the lateral aspect were more accurate and displayed greater sexual dimorphism variation compared to those taken in the frontal aspect.

The Effect of Increased Latin American Representation in Investigative Genetic Genealogy Databases on Unidentified Remains Cases

The Effect of Increased Latin American Representation in Investigative Genetic Genealogy Databases on Unidentified Remains Cases

Gender Identity in Forensic Death Investigation: A Narrative Review and Suggested Guidelines for Documenting and Reporting.

In the current body of forensic literature, there is little guidance available regarding death investigations of transgender, intersex, and gender diverse individuals. An increase in the prevalence of gender diverse identifying people and the frequency in which these individuals experience a premature death makes it more likely these deaths will fall under the jurisdiction of the medical examiner's office. The inability to navigate these diverse cases due to a lack of training, education, and support may leave forensic professionals without the tools needed to accurately represent these deaths.This narrative review is intended to provide the foundational knowledge needed by forensic death investigators when investigating gender identity in death, including suggested guidelines for a more effective and empathetic death investigation. A better understanding of the implications and applications of this information when included in reports will bolster the quality and quantity of the data reported and collected. This will lead to more accurate monitoring and reporting of violent, suicidal, and homicidal deaths of transgender, intersex, and other gender diverse individuals, and a higher identification rate of unidentified remains with gender diverse markers.

Automated reconstruction: Predictive models based on facial morphology matrices

Forensic Facial Approximation (FFA) has evolved, with techniques advancing to refine the intercorrelation between the soft-tissue facial profile and the underlying skull. FFA has become essential for identifying unknown persons in South Africa, where the high number of migrant and illegal labourers and many unidentified remains make the identification process challenging. However, existing FFA methods are based on American or European standards, rendering them inapplicable in a South African context. We addressed this issue by conducting a study to create prediction models based on the relationships between facial morphology and known factors, such as population affinity, sex, and age, in white South African and French samples. We retrospectively collected 184 adult cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans representing 76 white South Africans (29 males and 47 females) and 108 French nationals (54 males and 54 females) to develop predictive statistical models using a projection onto latent structures regression algorithm (PLSR). On training and untrained datasets, the accuracy of the estimated soft-tissue shape of the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth was measured using metric deviations. The predictive models were optimized by integrating additional variables such as sex and age. Based on trained data, the prediction errors for the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth ranged between 1.6 mm and 4.1 mm for white South Africans; for the French group, they ranged between 1.9 mm and 4.2 mm. Prediction errors on non-trained data ranged between 1.6 mm and 4.3 mm for white South Africans, whereas prediction errors ranging between 1.8 mm and 4.3 mm were observed for the French. Ultimately, our study provided promising predictive models. Although the statistical models can be improved, the inherent variability among individuals restricts the accuracy of FFA. The predictive validity of the models was improved by including sex and age variables and considering population affinity. By integrating these factors, more customized and accurate predictive models can be developed, ultimately strengthening the effectiveness of forensic analysis in the South African region.

Public Perspectives on Investigative Genetic Genealogy: Findings from a National Focus Group Study

Background Investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) is a technique that involves uploading genotypes developed from perpetrator DNA left at a crime scene, or DNA from unidentified remains, to public genetic genealogy databases to identify genetic relatives and, through the creation of a family tree, the individual who was the source of the DNA. As policymakers demonstrate interest in regulating IGG, it is important to understand public perspectives on IGG to determine whether proposed policies are aligned with public attitudes. Methods We conducted eight focus groups with members of the public (N = 72), sampled from four geographically diverse US regions, to explore general attitudes and perspectives regarding aspects of IGG practices, applications, and policies. Five major topics were explored in each focus group: when IGG should be used; who should perform IGG; how to approach consent for genetic database users; what systems of oversight should govern IGG practitioners; and whether to notify database users if their data are involved in law enforcement (LE) matching. Results Participants were supportive of IGG in most scenarios, especially for cold and violent cases. The favorable attitudes toward IGG were, however, tempered by distrust of law enforcement among some participants. All participants agreed that databases must inform users if IGG is allowed, but they did not agree on how individual database users should be allowed to opt out or whether to notify them if their data are involved in specific investigations. All participants agreed that IGG should be subject to some prescriptive guidelines, regulations, or accountability mechanisms. Conclusions These findings suggest broad public support for IGG, and interest in developing systems of accountability for its practice. Our study provides useful insight for policy makers, genomic database stewards, law enforcement, and other stakeholders in IGG’s practice, and suggests multiple directions for future research.

The Role of Forensic Anthropology in Mass Disasters

The Function of Criminal Justice in situations involving widespread disasters, forensic anthropology is essential to the identification and handling of human remains. Forensic anthropologists play a crucial role in victim identification procedures following natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and major accidents. Their expertise guarantees precise and considerate treatment of the corpses. Their proficiency encompasses not only the retrieval and scrutiny of skeletal remains but also the amalgamation of anthropological information with further forensic proof, such DNA analysis and dental records. This review looks at the various ways that forensic anthropology contributes to mass catastrophe response. The use of skeletal analysis techniques to ascertain the age, sex, ancestry, and stature of unidentified remains is one of the key areas of study. Trauma analysis is a tool used by forensic anthropologists to distinguish between pre-, peri-, and postmortem injuries. This helps them piece together the events leading up to the death. The field of forensic anthropology plays a vital role in mass disaster response by offering essential knowledge that facilitates precise identification and enhances the overall effectiveness of disaster management initiatives. As methods and procedures are developed further, forensic anthropologists will be better equipped to handle the difficulties of victim identification in such difficult situations. The assessment also looks at the logistical difficulties that arise in cases of major disasters, such as the requirement for quick and well-planned recovery efforts, collaboration with other forensic specialties, and handling substantial amounts of remains.

Age estimation based on the metamorphosis of the clavicle end: A test of Falys and Prangle method in two contemporary samples

Upon finding skeletal unidentified remains, four are the questions that must be answered: age, sex, ancestry, and stature. Regarding age estimation, clavicle has received special attention because medial epiphysis is the last epiphysis, among long bones that ossifies. Falys and Prangle proposed a method of age estimation based on three degenerative characteristics-surface topography (TOP), Porosity (POR) and Osteophyte formation (OST)-evaluated on the sternal end of the clavicle according to the descriptions and the illustrations provided in the original article producing satisfactory results. The current study aims to test the applicability of the Falys’ and Prangle’s method on 174 individuals from two contemporary samples, one from Greece (Cretan osteological Collection and Athens Forensic Anthropology Lab collection) and one from Thailand (Osteological collection in Chiang Mai). Composite scores were calculated, inter and intra- observer error were estimated by kappa statistics and regression equations of the original study were tested in our sample and in subsamples divided by sex and population. The Greek sample gave more accurate estimates compared to the Thai sample. Regressions of known sex gave slightly better results in most cases. When individuals <40 years old were excluded, classification increased for both Thai and Greeks. The results of this pilot study indicate that there are morphological features on the clavicle that are highly correlated with age. Thus, there is a scope of expanding research on the morphological features of the collar bone.

DNA Extraction of Bone Through Demineralization.

In the field of forensic science, the DNA extraction of bone is utilized in investigations involving mass disasters, unidentified remains, and missing persons. However, bone samples can be challenging samples due to their exposure to extreme environmental conditions over long periods of time. The use of an effective DNA extraction method to properly isolate and purify the DNA is essential for bone samples. This chapter describes the DNA extraction of bone samples through a total demineralization protocol, which aims to entirely dissolve the bone matrix in order to access the DNA molecules.

Forensic data management and database systems in forensic investigations for cases of missing and unidentified persons in Brazil

Forensic investigations, especially those related to missing persons and unidentified remains, produce different types of data that must be managed and understood. The data collected and produced are extensive and originate from various sources: the police, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), medical examiner offices, specialised forensic teams, family members, and others. Some examples of information include, but are not limited to, the investigative background information, excavation data of burial sites, antemortem data on missing persons, and postmortem data on the remains of unidentified individuals. These complex data must be stored in a secured place, analysed, compared, shared, and then reported to the investigative actors and the public, especially the families of missing persons, who should be kept informed of the investigation. Therefore, a data management system with the capability of performing the tasks relevant to the goals of the investigation and the identification of an individual, while respecting the deceased and their families, is critical for standardising investigations. Data management is crucial to assure the quality of investigative processes, and it must be recognised as a holistic integrated system. The aim of this article is to discuss some of the most important components of an effective forensic data management system. The discussion is enriched by examples, challenges, and lessons learned from the erratic development and launching of databases for missing and unidentified persons in Brazil. The main objective of this article is to bring attention to the urgent need for an effective and integrated system in Brazil.

The impact of antimeric lower limb length asymmetry on adult stature estimation.

Antimeric lower limb length asymmetry is frequently noted when measuring human skeletal remains. As lower limb bones are often used to estimate stature from unidentified remains, the forensic anthropologist who notes a disparity must then determine which lower limb bone or bones will produce an estimate that most accurately and precisely captures the unknown individual's stature. To help forensic anthropologists make informed decisions when remains exhibit lower limb antimeric asymmetry, left and right femora and fibulae maximum lengths were analyzed from 78 DPAA-identified individuals with measured statures. Results revealed 87.2% of individuals exhibited lower limb antimeric asymmetry, statistically significant differences between lower limb lengths, decreasing estimate accuracy when asymmetry increased, and that using a 99% prediction interval for disparities ≥5.0 mm nearly ensured documented measured stature would be captured. These findings were validated on independent samples of 20 adult males from the DPAA and 146 males and females from the Terry, Hamann-Todd, and Bass Collections. Preliminary results were largely supported; however, the accuracy reduction with increasing asymmetry observed in the DPAA data was not replicated. Based on these findings, we encourage bilateral measurement taking to identify lower limb antimeric asymmetry, caution against combining bone lengths from opposite sides, and recommend using a 99% prediction interval when lower limb length antimeric asymmetry is ≥5.0 mm and if using the FORDISC 3 Trotter M Stats database. When C Stats or F Stats are used, the prediction intervals associated with these less homogeneous databases are large enough to absorb error due to antimeric asymmetry.

Evaluating the Impact of Dropout and Genotyping Error on SNP-Based Kinship Analysis With Forensic Samples.

Technological advances in sequencing and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping microarray technology have facilitated advances in forensic analysis beyond short tandem repeat (STR) profiling, enabling the identification of unknown DNA samples and distant relationships. Forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) has facilitated the identification of distant relatives of both unidentified remains and unknown donors of crime scene DNA, invigorating the use of biological samples to resolve open cases. Forensic samples are often degraded or contain only trace amounts of DNA. In this study, the accuracy of genome-wide relatedness methods and identity by descent (IBD) segment approaches was evaluated in the presence of challenges commonly encountered with forensic data: missing data and genotyping error. Pedigree whole-genome simulations were used to estimate the genotypes of thousands of individuals with known relationships using multiple populations with different biogeographic ancestral origins. Simulations were also performed with varying error rates and types. Using these data, the performance of different methods for quantifying relatedness was benchmarked across these scenarios. When the genotyping error was low (<1%), IBD segment methods outperformed genome-wide relatedness methods for close relationships and are more accurate at distant relationship inference. However, with an increasing genotyping error (1–5%), methods that do not rely on IBD segment detection are more robust and outperform IBD segment methods. The reduced call rate had little impact on either class of methods. These results have implications for the use of dense SNP data in forensic genomics for distant kinship analysis and FGG, especially when the sample quality is low.

CR-GAN: Automatic craniofacial reconstruction for personal identification

Craniofacial reconstruction is applied to identify human remains in the absence of determination data (e.g., fingerprinting, dental records, radiological materials, or DNA), by predicting the likeness of the unidentified remains based on the internal relationship between the skull and face. Conventional 3D methods are usually based on statistical models with poor capacity, which limit the description of such complex relationship. Moreover, the required high-quality data are difficult to collect. In this study, we present a novel craniofacial reconstruction paradigm that synthesize craniofacial images from 2D computed tomography scan of skull data. The key idea is to recast craniofacial reconstruction as an image translation task, with the goal of generating corresponding craniofacial images from 2D skull images. To this end, we design an automatic skull-to-face transformation system based on deep generative adversarial nets. The system was trained on 4551 paired skull-face images obtained from 1780 CT head scans of the Han Chinese population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only database of this magnitude in the literature. Finally, to accurately evaluate the performance of the model, a face recognition task employing five existing deep learning algorithms, —FaceNet, —SphereFace, —CosFace, —ArcFace, and —MagFace, was tested on 102 reconstruction cases in a face pool composed of 1744 CT-scan face images. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can be used as an effective forensic tool.

Dependence of Underground Infrastructure and Land Management in Urbanized Areas

Abstract The article presents a current view on the issue of supplying utilities to land regarded differently than merely technical solutions. The authors offer an insight to the issue of the technical supplying of urbanized areas, treating such infrastructure as a determinant of the coexistence of buildings and transfigurations of the urban fabric. Using selected examples of novel means of identifying existing solutions of the underground technical infrastructure (canals, sewage and stormwater networks, transportation and communication tunnels, building in additional contemporary of installations of logical networks or unidentified remains of past development), the need to carry out additional analyses and prepare a new, or update-change the existing local spatial development plan were identified. It was noted that The construction of underground infrastructure corridors ought to be the key, preceding the issuing of building permits, the commencement of activities by developers as well as administrative conditions. The underground infrastructure has an influence of the dynamics as well as quality of spatial transformations of urbanized areas.

The possibility of molecular genetic identity testing of an unidentified body from the second world war

Background: In the current forensic scenario, molecular genetic analyzes are used to identify the remains of victims of natural and man-made disasters, emergencies, and war conflicts. Aim: This study aimed to summarize forensic molecular genetic examinations conducted at the RCFME for identifying the victims of the Second World War in the Russian Federation. This was conducted to assess the prospects of using DNA identification analysis for unidentified remains of bodies buried in 19391945. Material and methods: We studied 30 expert reports from 2007 to 2021 of 171 skeletal bodies from exhumed graves. The total number of objects studied was 421 (bone fragments and teeth, from 1 to 5 objects from 1 body). Results: Using the remains, genotypes of 167 people were established. The success rate of evidence-based molecular genetic identification was 98% (171 cases). Of these, positive identification was noted for 10 body remains and negative identification for 157 remains. Four skeletal bodies (2%) were deemed unsuitable for research. In most cases, indirect identification schemes were used a comparative study with putative relatives by biostatistical analysis of allelic variants of polymorphic loci of autosomal DNA as well as by direct comparative analysis of the polymorphism at the Y-chromosome DNA and mitochondrial DNA. Conclusions: Molecular genetic studies are highly effective for identifying the remains of victims of natural and man-made disasters, military conflicts, and other emergencies. The success of molecular genetic studies regarding the identification of victims of the Second World War conducted at the RCFME clearly demonstrate these possibilities. Simultaneously, it should be emphasized that this type of expertise falls to the category of rather complex molecular genetic studies, which requires the use of expanded panels of analytical test systems as well as the use of special methodological techniques and hardware and software.

Stature Estimation from Dry Bone and Radiographic Clavicular Measurements in A Thai Population

Stature is one of the main biological features which can be used to classify unidentified skeletal deceased. Also, precise population data is crucial for forensic anthropology frameworks. Nonetheless, the studies concerning this subject in Thailand are limited and regularly focus on long bones. This study attempts to establish stature estimation equations from clavicular dry bone and radiographic measurements. Both sides of the clavicular bones are separated from 25 female and 112 male deceased in an autopsy room situated in Bangkok, Thailand. Twelve variables of each side of the clavicle are measured. The study outcomes show that stature can be estimated by applying 3 variables in a stepwise regression analysis model in unidentified sex remains, with R2 = 0.49 and standard error of estimation (SEE) 5.238 cm. Moreover, the height of the sternal end of clavicle bones can be used to estimate stature in cases of fragmented clavicles recovered from crime scenes with R2 = 0.238 and SEE 6.353 cm. Maximum length shows the best correlation and model fit with stature (R = 0.562, R2 = 0.316 and SEE 6.020 cm) from radiographic measurements. Therefore, this study presents a complementary, beneficial method for forensic anthropologists to create biological profiles of unidentified skeletal remains in cases where the long bones are not obtainable. Moreover, stature estimation from radiographic measurements can be applied in cases of partial skeletonisation.

Feeding biology of the brittlestar Ophioderma appressum (Say, 1825) (Echinodermata, Ophiuroidea) in a tropical shallow reef from the Brazilian coast

ABSTRACT Ophioderma appressum is a common and abundant ophiuroid species in tropical reef communities. Nevertheless, few studies analyse and describe its biology. In this paper, we evaluate and describe the diet of this species collected at Seixas reefs, João Pessoa, Brazil. Monthly diurnal samples were obtained between September 2018 and July 2019. In total, 143 individuals were analysed. The recorded diet was variable and consisted of 24 taxa and two additional items. Most material represented unidentifiable and/or digested remains, foraminiferans, crustacean fragments, and sediment particles, indicating omnivory. The number of individuals with stomach contents varied along the year (from two to 13 specimens per month). There was also significant temporal variation in the composition of the stomach contents. The months September 2018, May 2019 and June 2019 had the highest variety of items during the study. Our results suggest generalist and opportunistic feeding behaviour and highlight the role of O. appressum as an active predator on prey of diverse taxa and body size.

Heating Up Cold Cases: An Interview with Bruce Budowle on Human Identification

Heating Up Cold Cases: An Interview with Bruce Budowle on Human Identification

Mitochondrial DNA analysis of the putative skeletal remains of Sieur de Marle: Genetic support for anthropological assessment of biogeographic ancestry

In 1932, seven burials were discovered on a Texas plantation that was originally the site of a 17th-century Caddo Indian village. Of the seven excavated graves, one set of remains (an adult male) was notably buried in a manner inconsistent with traditional Caddoan burial practices and has long been purported to be the remains of Sieur de Marle (a member of the French explorer La Salle’s last expedition). Diary accounts of La Salle’s expedition scribe report that Sieur de Marle died along a river near an Indian village during a trek to Canada to find help for colonists left behind at the ill-fated Fort St. Louis. Additionally, two lead projectiles recovered from the grave were ballistically analyzed and determined to be consistent with ammunition used in 17th-century weaponry. In the 1980s, anthropologists requested access to the remains for study, but the skull was missing. Cranial measurements recorded in 1940 and 1962 (by two independent anthropologists) were used to investigate the ancestry of this individual; and the Giles-Elliot (G-E) discriminant function was calculated to be 18.1, within the Anglo-European range. Dietary isotope testing on non-cranial skeletal elements determined that this unknown male’s diet was rich in animal/marine protein sources, which differs appreciably from Caddo Indian populations of that time period. In order to genetically assess this individual’s biogeographic ancestry and to provide further support that this individual is of European descent, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing was performed using the Applied Biosystems™ Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel. mtDNA sequencing of multiple sections from two different long bones yielded compiled results consistent with either Haplogroup H or R, both predominantly European mtDNA haplogroups. Further anthropological calculations were conducted using cranial measurements, FORDISC™ software, and discriminant function analysis. Two-way, four-way, and multigroup discriminant function analyses further classify this set of unidentified remains as being White (European) in origin, with posterior probabilities of 0.999, 0.881 and 0.986, respectively. Combined with historical records of Sieur de Marle’s death, as well as overlays of historical and contemporary maps which demonstrate that the plantation site aligns with Joutel’s diary accounts of de Marle’s burial, these collective results support that these remains are of a European male and may possibly belong to this prominent member of La Salle’s expedition team.

Comparing Genetic Variation among Latin American Immigrants: Implications for Forensic Casework in the Arizona- and Texas-Mexico Borderlands.

The humanitarian crisis on the US-Mexico border is a long-standing and evolving crisis in which nearly 8,000 deaths have been reported in the last two decades. These deaths are largely distributed across the Arizona-Mexico and Texas-Mexico border regions, where demographic trends for immigrants attempting to cross into the United States have shifted dramatically. The demographic change and volume of immigrants seeking shelter in the United States present new challenges for the forensic practitioners entrusted with the identification of individuals who lose their lives during the final segment of their journey. Within this border context, this study investigated how genetic variation inferred from forensically significant microsatellites can provide valuable information on regions of origin for unidentified remains at the group level. To explore how to mobilize these genetic data to inform identification strategies, the authors conducted a comparative genetic analysis of identified and unidentified immigrant cases from the Arizona- and Texas-Mexico contexts, as well as 27 other Latin American groups. Allele frequencies were utilized to calculate FST, and relationships were visually depicted in a multidimensional scaling plot. A Spearman correlation coefficient analysis assessed the strength and significance of population relationships, and an agglomerative clustering analysis assessed population clusters. Results indicate that Arizona-Mexico immigrants have the strongest relationship (>80%) with groups from El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and an indigenous group from southern Mexico. Texas-Mexico immigrants have the strongest relationships (>80%) with groups from Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. These findings agree with, and are discussed in comparison with, previously reported demographic trends, population genetics research, and population history analyses. The authors emphasize the utility and necessity of coupling genetic variation research with a nuanced anthropological perspective for identification processes in the US-Mexico border context.

Estimation of Cadaveric Age by Ultrasonography.

(1) Background: While decreasing bone mineral density (BMD) with age in living people has been well documented, a correlation between age and bone mineral density in deceased people has only been reported in a few studies. A correlation between age and BMD in deceased people was investigated as an objective tool for age estimation of unidentified remains. (2) Methods: The Bone Area Ratio (BAR) was measured in 402 autopsy cases (143 females and 259 males over the age of 20). (3) Results: The correlation coefficient in the females was r = −0.5476, and the correlation coefficient in the males was r = −0.2166, indicating a stronger correlation in females than in males. A comparison of the BAR values in the deceased females for each age group with that in live females found no significant differences in the BAR values. BAR values in the deceased were similar to in live individuals, and this did not change with duration of the postmortem interval. (4) Conclusions: Measuring the BAR value based on bone mass using ultrasonic waves is rapid and easy, even for those lacking forensic training, and may be used to estimate the age of an individual and the likelihood of fracture due to trauma.