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Sharp-force trauma analysis and the forensic anthropologist: techniques advocated by William R. Maples, Ph.D
1C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory, Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|August 5, 1999
Summary
Forensic anthropologists identified a middle-aged Hispanic male using a multidisciplinary approach. Trauma analysis, including nonhuman exemplars, excluded a specific mower as the cause of sharp force trauma.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Bioarchaeology
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Forensic anthropological principles guide human identification and trauma analysis.
- A multidisciplinary team approach is crucial for comprehensive forensic investigations.
Observation:
- A biological profile was constructed for a decedent, identifying him as a middle-aged Hispanic male of 5'6"-5'7" stature.
- Remains indicated death at least three months prior to discovery.
- Eleven instances of sharp force trauma were observed on the skull and cervical vertebrae.
Findings:
- Nonhuman trauma exemplars were generated using a specific model of Tiger rear flail mower.
- Analysis of these exemplars was essential in ruling out the mower as the source of the observed trauma.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of specialized techniques, like nonhuman trauma exemplars, in forensic investigations.
- The study demonstrates the application of forensic anthropological tenets in complex identification cases.