Human Identification

Viewable Victim

One that has recently died a nonviolent death. There is little physical change on the appearance.

Traumatized Victim

One that has recently died a violent death, suffered some amount of physical trauma.

Skeletonized Victim

End result of decomposition presents most or all of the soft tissues gone.

HTERT

Forensic scientists can extract the DNA and look for the _____ (human telomerase) gene on chromosome 5, which is specific for humans.

Visual Identification - Fingerprint Analysis - DNA Analysis - Dental Comparison

4 methods of establishing identity.

Visual Identification

Most commonly used method of identification and is used to establish both positive and presumptive identification but is the least reliable.

Neurovascular - Odontoblasts

_____________ cells of the pulp and, to a lesser extent, ____________ embedded in the predentin layer and trapped during mineralization in the dentinal tubules have been shown to be valuable sources of DNA evidence when other bodily tissues are degraded or missing.

Extraction

Process of releasing DNA from cell.

Quantitation

Process of determining how much DNA a person has.

Amplification

Process of conducting multiple DNA copies in order to characterize it.

Separation

Process of separating amplified DNA product to permit subsequent identification.

Analysis & Interpretation

Process of quantitatively and qualitatively comparing DNA evidence samples to known DNA profiles.

Jaws

Prior to forensic examination, the dentist typically exposes or removes ____ in decomposing burned victims.

Cyanoacrylate Cements - Polyvinyl Acetate - Clear Acrylic Spray

Since teeth may be brittle in burned cases, they need to be reinforced with either of these before examination (3).

Large Format Radiographs

In situations involving specimens that are not readily identifiable as human facial structure, dental remains can be located with the assistance of?

Smiley-face Photographs

Suggested by Dr. R. Souviron, comparing the dentition of decedents with antemortem photographs showing the teeth.

Grin Line Method

A smile may not show teeth (using Adobe Photoshop).

Positive Identification

(Identification Criterion) May be given when the ante and post mortem findings match in sufficient details, without unexplainable discrepancy, to give the impression that they’re from the same person.

Possible Identification

(Identification Criterion) Ante and post mortem may be consistent, but a positive identification may not be established due to poor quality of either post mortem remains or ante mortem records.

Insufficient Evidence

(Identification Criterion) Information in ante and post mortem records are insufficient to draw conclusion.

Exclusion

(Identification Criterion) Findings in ante and post mortem are clearly inconsistent.