Transcript The Application of Forensic Anthropology to the Recovery

The Application of Forensic
Anthropology to the
Recovery & Identification of
Human Remains
Dr. Tosha Dupras
National Center for Forensic Science
University of Central Florida
NATIONAL CENTER FOR
FORENSIC SCIENCE
Forensic
Anthropology
Forensic anthropology is
the application of the
science of physical
anthropology to the legal
process
Forensic Anthropologists
frequently work with:
- Forensic pathologists
- Forensic dentists
- Homicide investigators
What do Forensic
Anthropologists do?
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Scene Search
Excavation and Recovery
Questions of Identification
Cause, Manner & Mode of Death
Time Since Death
Medical Examiner
Coroner’s Office
Police
Forensic Anthropologist
Human?
Archaeological? Recent?
Foul Play?
State Archaeologist
Time Since Death
Identification
SCENE SEARCH
How do we find
buried remains?
Excavation &
Recovery
CASE TIME LINE
• Early May, 1987 – Meyers rapes woman who
escapes
• May 25th, 1987 – Kathy Engels goes missing
• June 1987 – Meyers convicted of rape, sentenced
to 3 years
• 1991 – Meyers released from prison
• 1994 – Meyers convicted of killing Engels,
receives Death Penalty
• 2001 – Meyers strikes deal with Prosecutors
Identification:
Biological Profile
What information can
a Forensic
Anthropologist
provide?
Sex
Age at Death
Race
Stature
Pathology/Trauma
Children vs Adults
• Aging infants and
children
– Related to growth
• Aging Adults
– Related to
degeneration
Adult Age at Death
• Degenerative changes
– Pubic Symphysis
– Auricular Surface
PUBIC SYMPHYSIS
Auricular Surface