Introduction to Forensic Science
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Introduction to Forensic Science Module 12A Forensic Anthropology I. Objectives A. Define forensic anthropology and its related fields (taphonomy and archeology) B. Describe the pioneers and their contributions to the study of forensic anthropology C. Demonstrate proficiency in estimating age, sex, stature, and ancestry from human skeletal remains D. Interpret trauma to a skeleton including gunshot wounds, blunt force, and sharp force E. Determine the time since death II. Definitions A. Forensic Anthropology - the application of methods of anthropology and archeology to the collection and analysis of physical evidence to solve forensic problems. This includes: 1. The study of bones, teeth, and cartilage (a.k.a. skeletonized remains) to determine their identity. 2. The recovery of buried remains. 3. Facial reconstruction. 4. Determination of the cause of death and the manner in which death occurred. B. Forensic anthropologists have a great deal of training in anatomy and osteology and they work with other specialists such as osteologists, forensic pathologists and homicide investigators to help discover and examine human bone remains and subsequently suggest multiple features of the decedent, such as sex, gender, stature, age, and even the circumstances of death. (ABFA - American Board of Forensic Anthropology, 2010) 1. A forensic anthropologist's primary goal is to use his or her scientific and investigative skills to serve the community and its needs. Forensic anthropologists have a prominent role not only locally, but globally as well. They have assisted in identifying unknown or unidentified victims of such national tragedies as the Oklahoma City Bombing, World Trade Center disasters © 2003-1010, Golden Lady Unlimited, LLC 1 Mod12A.doc 2. A forensic anthropologist determines the identity of a decedent based on the available evidence. If a skeleton is found in a wooded area, the body is brought to a morgue for examination and identifica- tion. The anthropologist must first determine whether the remains are human, animal, or inorganic. If human, the forensic anthropologist attempts to estimate the age at death, racial category, sex, and stature of the decedent. C. Forensic Taphonomy- the study of the processes (as burial, decay, and preservation) that affect animal and plant remains as they become fossilized as it applies to forensics 1. Postmortem changes include: a. Decay and decomposition b. Scattering of the body parts by coyotes and other scavengers c. Changes in the body due to freezing, drying, or other environmental conditions. D. Forensic Archeology - the scientific study of material remains (as fossil relics, artifacts, and monuments) of past human life and activities as it applies to forensics 1. Methods of locating human remains: a. Aerial or infrared photography b. Use of metal detectors c. Ground-penetrating radar d. Use of (GIS) Geographical Information Systems III. History of Forensic Anthropology A. Father of American Forensic Anthropology – Dr. Thomas Dwight (1843-1911), the anatomist who succeeded Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. at Harvard, was perhaps the first to specifically address the issue of deriving someone's biological profile from skeletal remains. B. Alphonse Bertillon – devised a system of criminal identification that relied on eleven bodily measurements and the color of the eyes, hair, and skin. “He first described his system in Photography: With an Appendix on Anthropometrical Classification and Identification (1890).” (Enotes.com, 2010) © 2003-1010, Golden Lady Unlimited, LLC 2 Mod12A.doc C. The 1939 publication of Krogman’s “Guide to the Identification of Human Skeletal Material” in the Federal Bureau of Investigation Law Enforcement Bulletin, is now thought by many to be the historical event that finally brought forensic anthropology out of the closet. D. 1947 – Formation of the Central Identification Laboratory in Hawaii (CILHI) – this organization is responsible for recovering and identifying U.S. soldiers from all the wars during the 20th century including WW1, WW2, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In 2008, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command’s Central Identification Laboratory located on Hickam AFB, Hawaii opened the Forensic Science Academy, an advanced forensic anthropology program consisting of five courses, taught under the auspices of the Department of Defense. E. 1972 – The American Academy of Forensic Science recognizes Forensic Anthropology as a discipline. This organization enabled the formerly unconnected anthropologists with a dynamic forum for the exchange of information and for the advancement of their work as a science. (American Academy of Forensic Sciences, 2010) F. By 1978, a program was developed to certify diplomats in forensic anthropology much the same way physicians are certified in their field by a board of specialization. (Ubelaker & Scammell, 2006) G. 1986 – The Forensic Data Bank (FDB) is created at the University of Tennessee through a grant from the National Institute of Justice. This database includes human skeletal measurements. In order to be of maximum value, this data must be continuously updated through contributions by forensic anthropologists working on new cases. H. The University of Tennessee Anthropological Research Facility is the official name of the original “Body Farm”. 1. Anthropologist Dr. William M. Bass became head of the university's anthropology department in 1971. 2. Bass was frequently consulted in police cases involving decomposed human remains. Since no facilities existed that specifically studied decomposition, in 1981 he opened the department's first body farm. [1] a. For more information on U.S. body farms read How Body Farms Work 3. Bodies are left to decompose in a number of ways in order to provide insights into decomposition under varying conditions. © 2003-1010, Golden Lady Unlimited, LLC 3 Mod12A.doc Detailed observations and records of the decomposition process are kept, including the sequence and speed of decomposition and the effects of insect activity. III. Objectives of a Forensic Anthropological Investigation A. Identification of remains of those who died due to homicide, accidents, suicide, war, or mass disasters 1. Age 2. Sex 3. Ancestry 4. Height 5. Pathology B. Determination of what happened after death C. Cause of death and any traumatic circumstances surrounding and/or preceding the death D. Multidisciplinary approach to investigation 1. During a legal investigation, the forensic anthropologist may find himself/herself working with other professionals in related fields such as: a. Forensic Pathologist – whose study of the soft tissues of a body may permit the pathologist to determine the manner and time of death b. Forensic Entomologist – whose study of insects found on the body may indicate a very precise time of death IV. Crime Scene or Burial Scene Processing A. Locating remains 1. Buried remains – cadaver dogs are often used to locate buried and/or scattered remains. These dogs are trained to locate the scent of decomposing remains. 2. A cadaver dog can actually detect human remains through concrete, buried underground, or at the bottom of a body of water, using its extremely well honed noses to search for faint traces of the chemicals emitted by the human body during decomposition.1 B. Physical evidence at burial sites 1. Human skeletons 1 http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-cadaver-dog.htm retrieved 8/9/2010 © 2003-1010, Golden Lady Unlimited, LLC 4 Mod12A.doc a. Hair b. Fingernails and Teeth c. Skin 2. Clothing (depending on the manner of burial and the time elapsed since death) 3. Fibers 4. Jewelry (depending on the substance from which it is made, may be one of the longest lasting clues) V. Steps in collection of anthropological evidence A. Documentation – Before human remains are touched in any way, the evidence should be photographed and the person or officer who found the remains should be interviewed. Written descriptions of the crime scene/or burial site should be completed before collection of evidence begins. 1. Chain of Custody – A formal, written process recording the persons having custody of evidence from initial point of receipt to final disposition (Rush, 2000) 2. In order to keep accurate records of the chain of custody, each time evidence is touched by a new person documentation is necessary B. Collection – collection of evidence should not begin until photographs and sketches have been completed C. Preservation – each type of evidence must be kept as close to its original state as possible in order for it to be analyzed in the future D. Analysis – some methods of analysis change rapidly, others remain the same for many years. The use of DNA evidence is a prime example of the value of new methods to prove or disprove the identity of a suspect. VI. Identification of Remains A. The majority of identifications are made by medical examiners and coroners who require positive identification. Positive identification can be determined through any of the following legally accepted practices: 1) DNA analysis, 2) fingerprints, 3) dental records, 4) x- rays, 5) any uniquely identifiable congenital defect or prosthetic limb. 1. Dental records comparison a. The age of young children is often determined by their dental development. b. Certain populations have specific dental © 2003-1010, Golden Lady Unlimited, LLC 5 Mod12A.doc characteristics not found in other populations c. Females’ teeth develop earlier than males B. The amount of time since death plays a crucial part in determining whether a forensic anthropologist is necessary to determine the identity of a victim. The legal consequences diminish as time passes due to the statute of limitations, and the death of the perpetrator and/or witnesses. 1. Visual Identification Possible – When a recent death is investigated, it is usually possible for a forensic pathologist or forensic odontologist to identify the body 2. Visual Identification Impossible – as time passes, or in the case of death by burning or dismemberment, visual identification is no longer possible. The forensic anthropologist, forensic archeologist, and a forensic odontologist may all be needed to determine the victim’s identity. 3.