FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY CASE REPORT 1

Forensic Anthropology Case Report

September 13, 2017

Olivia Dunahoo, Olivia Rosen, Adrien George, Mason Herrberg

Human Body Systems

Introduction
FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY CASE REPORT 2

Today investigators were called to Huntington North High School on the west side of the

building. Upon arrival, it became apparent that there were four sets of bones located in the area

of construction; our team was assigned the second set located on the outermost corner, parallel to

the side of the building. In the area, investigators found the skull, femur, humerus, and pelvis

surrounded by four seashells of approximately the same size.

Summary of Findings

After analyzing each of the bones, we concluded that the remains belonged to a

Mongoloid male between the ages of 20-30, ranging in height from 5’3 to 5’6. To determine the

race, we took a closer look at the skull. We analyzed various parts of the nasal cavity as well as

the orbitals. In our research, we found that the nasal width was approximately 23.1 mm, the

height was 45.2 mm, leading us to the measurements relevant to one certain race. The nasal spine

was prominent and the guttering was rounded and the orbitals were somewhat rounded; each of

these are clear indications that the skull belonged to a caucasoid individual.

In addition, to determine the sex we looked at all of the bones: pelvis, skull, femur, and

humerus. By observing the pelvis, we identified that the sub-pubic angle was less than 90

degrees; several other measurements indicated a male pelvic region. The second area we took a

look at was the skull; the shape of the eye orbitals, zygomatic process, and mandible gave us a

good idea that the skull belonged to a male. The eye orbitals were squared, the zygomatic

process was expressed beyond the auditory meatus (the ear) and the mandible was squared off.

Observations of the femur and humerus were identified to the male because they were

significantly longer than the average female femur and humerus.

In terms of age determination, we took a look at several areas of the pelvis, femur and

humerus to determine the areas where the bones had connected and where they hadn’t. While
FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY CASE REPORT 3

observing we searched for any epiphyseal unions, or cartilaginous lines, as well as growth plates

that may just be encouraging the fusion of bones. In the pelvis, it appeared that the ilium,

ischium, and pubis bones were all completely joined together. In the femur, the greater and lesser

trochanters were apparent, and all segments were joined to the shaft. The humerus had already

developed substantial union of all of the connecting areas. Each of these details encouraged us to

believe that the male identified was between the ages of 20-30 years old.

Finally, to identify the height of the individual, we used approximate equations to gain a

range in which the actual height was within. To do so, we found the length of the femur and

humerus, and used the result in the provided equations. Once we had done this, we used one of

the ranges, from the femur or humerus, to predict the range. For our individual, based on race

and sex, we predicted a height range of 5ft, 3in to 5ft, 6in.

In all areas of observation, there were some setbacks. The inexperience of our

investigators accounted for most of the area; learning to use the tools and exactly how to measure

was difficult. Using the background knowledge, problem solving led to the most accurate results

possible.

Further Analysis

After reading the, “FBI--Skeletal Remains Identification by Facial Reconstruction,”

report, it is amazing what investigators can do with the information they can interpret. The

technique of facial reconstruction could be helpful in this case if identifying the individual was

closer to impossible. The creation of a face would allow for the investigators to receive a new

perception of the individual; maybe even allow them to get a better idea on similarities between

the four bone types found within the construction site. In addition to this, it will lead the
FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY CASE REPORT 4

investigators to greater confidence in their findings by verifying the racial determination based

on the muscle construction. It may also assist in the identification or error.

Another test/analysis that can be completed using the bone samples includes the study of

the nuclear DNA found within the femur bone. Scientist say that “this method proved to be

efficient in the analysis of ancient degraded DNA,” as well as in newly found samples (Iwamura,

E. S., Soares-Vieira, J. A., & Muñoz, D. R., 1). In this method, forensic scientist extract any

traces of DNA found in nucleus of a cell; the cells are normally comprised from the bone

marrow and tissue. After the DNA is collected, forensic scientists then analyze the base pairs of

the DNA. Each person has similar base pairs to one another; we are made unique by one

sequence within DNA, the genetic markers. This method is more effective if there are samples to

compare the data to--this can range from cells in other parts of the body, or skin follicles found

underneath the fingernails of a suspect. One thing to consider when using this method is that, on

rare occasion, two people can share the same genetic markers. They will not contain the same

characteristics as they’re chromosome were inherited from separate individuals. From these tests,

we can learn more about a person’s genetic make-up as well as who may have hurt the person.

DNA is a major source in identifying suspects. This method can also be used to identify the

missing; this is because most likely, DNA of that person has been left somewhere and the DNA

extracted from a bone or tissue will contain the same, verifying the person’s identity--except for

on rare occasions.

In addition, another method commonly used to test the bones includes the use dental x-

rays. This process is “one of the best ways to positively identify a body.” Also, it analyzes

several areas, including “tooth root curvature, tooth position, impacted teeth, extra teeth, and

tooth crown anomalies” (3 Ways to Identify…,1). These tests are extremely effective as each of
FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY CASE REPORT 5

these ideas can be different in each individual based on their genetic background, and the teeth

often survive longer than any other bone structures. In addition to this, unlike DNA, there is a for

sure identification method--tooth x-rays at the dentist. This allows for immediate access to

several sets of the “same data,” to be compared. These test tell us more about the individual and

their genetic background. This is because certain jaw, gums, and teeth setting belong to different

ages, races, and sex. It can also be used to identify the missing simply because there are

normally ways to compare the dental data.

Conclusion

During this case investigation our investigators took a look at several different areas to

define the ethnicity, sex, age, and height of our individual. The investigation was very complex,

looking at a variety of equations and measurements. Some of the observations were based on

perception of the individuals working on the case. Our group teamed with another set of

observers (the book Miss Noffsinger had!) to verify that our finding matched. In the means of

ethnicity, our groups had different answers. As you read above, our investigators identified the

skull as belonging to an individual of mongoloid ethnicity. These individuals commonly have a

more flat facial structure, and the nasal cavity is smaller in size. According to our caliper

measurements, the skull’s nasal measurements matched that of the mongoloid. The other group

of investigators found that the ethnicity of the individual was instead caucasoid. After reviewing

our results again, we could see that some of our measurements and observations could be read

and perceived in a different way. It is upon us to take the error upon ourselves.

In the next steps of this investigation, it would be wise to double check ourselves and the

other observing group. This is because even though we both identified most of the same

information, it is always wise to know for sure as these identifications are extremely important.
FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY CASE REPORT 6

To do this, we could easily use any of the methods listed above in the further analysis section.

We could check to identify the DNA, or even look at the teeth of the skull. It is always

recommended to check your work thoroughly, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to try different

methods.

References

Iwamura, E. S., Soares-Vieira, J. A., & Muñoz, D. R. (n.d.). Human identification and analysis

of DNA in bones. Retrieved September 17, 2017, from

http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0041-

87812004000600012&scrlybrkr=b5157b04

How does DNA testing work? (2013, February 01). Retrieved September 17, 2017, from

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/0/20205874?commit=Search Websites

3 Ways to Identify a Body When DNA is Not An Option. (2013, November 18). Retrieved

September 17, 2017, from http://forensicoutreach.com/library/three-ways-to-identify-a-body-

when-dna-is-not-an-option/
FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY CASE REPORT 7