ADJ14 Advanced Criminal Investigations Forensic Anthropology

Forensic Anthropology

In any field operation involving human remains, four main tasks may need to be performed: 1. Location a. Finding remains (individual, multiple, visible or buried, informant or search) 2. Mapping a. Placement of remains and associated materials must be mapped in relation to a permanent structure, set as a datum point, and location on a larger map must be pinpointed 3. Excavation a. If remains are interred, must use principles of archaeology to remove. 4. Collection a. Remains must be collected using accepted procedures and must be properly packaged for analysis. Chain of custody is vital.

PRELIMINARY ISSUES

“A major problem surrounding the recovery of remains is the noninvolvement of forensic anthropologists” (Byers, 2011, p. 75).

 Investigators often forget to collect/search for all bones – including hand or foot bones.  Komar & Potter (2007) demonstrate that the rate of victim identification and determination of cause and manner of death are directly related to the proportion of the body collected on scene.  Ensure a proper perimeter is set up as soon as possible. Secure the scene. Watch where you step – bones can be brittle if left in the elements.  Watch time – if you are doing an excavation, you are dealing with a death. You can take your time on scene, and these scenes tend to be lengthy – there is no need to rush medical attention.

LOCATING REMAINS

1. Determine the location 2. Develop a search plan that is tailored to the unique circumstances of the search area; be aware of what resources you have and what you will need. Be realistic. 3. Ensure the search method chosen is specific and that everyone on scene understands and complies. 4. Use logic if searching a large area: a. Generally accepted that bodies will be found in areas of easy access. b. Manheim et al., (2006) found bodies dumped in rural areas were generally located within one-quarter mile of the nearest road. c. Some knowledge of human osteology.

ADJ14 Advanced Criminal Investigations Forensic Anthropology

SEARCHING FOR ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

1. Once the body/grave has been located, the second phase of the search should begin. Look for associated items a. Clothing, weapons, shell casings, shoes, cigarette butts, garbage, etc. 2. Search in an organized manner with the locus of the search on the body/grave. 3. Utilize resources (ground penetrating radar, metal detectors, infrared, etc.) 4. Mark each piece of evidence when found with a wooden post (preferable) or other type of clearly observed marker (flag, etc.) Avoid using small evidence markers in large scenes or outdoor scenes with excavation.

MAPPING REMAINS

1. You must indicate findings on scene by mapping. 2. Precision is vital – a. Scattered body parts may indicate carnivorous activity; can assist with time of death b. Relationship between body parts and associated material tells a story c. Precision establishes the credibility of the forensic investigator 3. Use common measurement tools (feet, inches, centimeters, etc.) 4. To start mapping, you first have to set up a datum point. Place on a permanent structure or object not likely to be obliterated with passage of time. 5. USGS quadrangle is preferred if in rural/exposed areas. 6. Utilize triangulation with GPS 7. Mark evidence using a grid square a. Grid squares are 10-15 foot square, constructed of four wooden posts (one in each corner), connected with string. b. If possible, orient the sides along north-south and east-west axes

GRAVE EXCAVATION

1. After all surface findings over the grave are located, mapped, and collected, the grave must be systematically excavated using archeological methods. 2. This cannot start until the datum point and grid square have been established. 3. Build grids within the square. 4. Excavation can then begin; this involves removal of dirt within or around the burial pit. 5. Excavation proceeds slowly; dirt must be skimmed from the surface. Typically shovels are used to skim until human remains are encountered. a. Removal should begin 1-2 inches at a time. b. As items are encountered, they should be fully uncovered but left in place for mapping, recording, and photographing. c. Typically unlikely to have more than 2 investigators digging at one time comfortably. d. As soil is moved out of the grave, it should be placed in buckets and taken to a location where it can be sifted through a ¼ inch or finer screen to locate small objects. e. This may be tedious, but it is vital to the investigation. ADJ14 Advanced Criminal Investigations Forensic Anthropology

COLLECTING REMAINS

1. Utilize proper personal protective equipment. Do not assume that bone is devoid of potential threat. 2. Inventory of the evidence must be started; maintain chain of custody. 3. Place each item in an appropriate container, seal and protect like all other evidence. 4. Bodies that still have soft tissue should be placed in a body bag. 5. Disarticulated remains can be placed in paper evidence bags. a. Vertebrae should be numbered with a soft lead pencil for ease of rearticulation and placed in bag, labeled as to type (i.e. cervical, thoracic, or lumbar). b. Look for injury, damage, or unusual markings on bone c. If body/bones were excavated, collect soil from around the location of where head was found (search for hair).