Kinship analysis using DNA typing from five skeletal remains with an unusual postmortem course

Area of Science:

• Forensic anthropology
• Molecular biology
• Forensic genetics

Background:

• Skeletal remains of five individuals were discovered in a domestic setting.
• The postmortem interval was estimated between five and 20 years.

Observation:

• The family claimed an unusual postmortem course due to beliefs in resurrection and prolonged indoor body preservation.
• Skeletal remains exhibited significant postmortem changes.

Findings:

• DNA extraction from bone samples using ultrafiltration and a silica-based kit yielded complete Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiles.
• Kinship analysis through DNA typing definitively identified all five individuals.

Implications:

• This study demonstrates the efficacy of advanced DNA extraction and STR profiling techniques in forensic investigations involving challenging skeletal remains.
• Successful identification highlights the importance of molecular methods in resolving cases with unusual decomposition and long postmortem intervals.