Forensics experts explain factors of identifying remains

Forensics experts explain factors of identifying remains


"Dental records, weather, radiographs of bones and past and current bodily trauma could be among factors that help identify remains of a recovered body, according to two forensic anthropologists not related to the Big Spring human remains investigation.


Wednesday afternoon, the Big Spring Police Department said human remains found by fuel tanker workers Tuesday have been described as "partially mummified." No other information about age or gender of the remains has been released. Daniel Wescott, director of forensic anthropology center at Texas State University, said it depends on how much information is available to expedite positively identifying a body.

When a body is found, Wescott said the first thing forensic anthropologists do is to start searching through records of missing people who might fit the description. "If nothing else, they can at least rule them out," he said. "It should be fairly easy to figure out the age." Wescott noted the pelvis is often used to determine gender. Dennis C. Dirkmaat, department chairman and a professor of anthropology at the Meryhurst Archaeological Institute in Pennsylvania, said dental records are the quickest way to determine age. DNA, the anthropologists said, comes into play if dental records cannot be located. If DNA is used, the process to identify the body can take anywhere from days to months, they said.

Another way to piece together more information about a body, they said, is by looking at bones and cartilage. Trauma such as a gunshot or stab wound could help trace evidence of foul play. The anthropologists said a number of aspects — including running water, dry weather or scavengers such as vultures — can affect the integrity of the bones. "There might be insect activity and sun bleaching, especially in Texas desert weather," said Dirkmaat. "If the remains are exposed to sunlight, the bones are often found bleached. Environmental conditions, like heat and dryness, can have a play in positively identifying remains." "