[Face identification by computerized superposition method: methodology and two case reports].

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Digital Imaging

Background:

• Skull-face photograph superposition is a forensic identification method.
• Digital images of skulls and faces can be superimposed on a monitor.
• This technique requires collaboration among anthropologists, odontologists, forensic pathologists, and computer technicians to minimize errors.

Observation:

• Two cases of positive identification using superimposition are presented.
• Case 1: A 65-year-old male with surgical skull trepanations used as identification features.
• Case 2: An 83-year-old female identified via a photograph taken at least 26 years prior to death.

Findings:

• Computerized superposition enabled positive identification in both presented cases.
• Distinctive features like surgical trepanations and age-progressed photographs were crucial.
• The method proved effective even with significant time gaps between photograph and death.

Implications:

• Computerized face identification by superposition is valuable when traditional methods fail.
• It is particularly useful when both skeletal remains and antemortem photographs are available.
• This technique enhances the capabilities of forensic identification in challenging cases.