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Two Novel Methods for Enhancing Postmortem Fingerprint Recovery from Mummified Remains
Lee O Morgan1, Marty Johnson2, Jered Cornelison1
1Department of Pathology, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|July 20, 2018
Summary
Collecting postmortem fingerprints from mummified remains is challenging. Two new methods, the "baby powder method" and "transillumination method," improve visualization and acquisition of these crucial forensic identification details.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Criminalistics
- Mortuary Science
Background:
- Postmortem fingerprint collection is vital for forensic death investigations.
- Mummified finger pads present significant challenges to obtaining usable prints.
- Existing rehydration techniques are not always sufficient for mummified remains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present novel techniques for improving postmortem fingerprint collection from mummified remains.
- To enhance the visualization and acquisition of fingerprint details from challenging cases.
Main Methods:
- The 'baby powder method' utilizes cornstarch-based powder for enhanced ridge detail visualization on mummified finger pads.
- The 'transillumination method' involves dissecting underlying tissues and using a light source to illuminate finger ridge patterns.
Main Results:
- These techniques offer improved chances of obtaining suitable fingerprints from mummified finger pads.
- The methods address the common difficulty of acquiring clear prints from desiccated remains.
Conclusions:
- The 'baby powder' and 'transillumination' methods are valuable additions to forensic techniques for postmortem fingerprint recovery.
- Successful fingerprint collection from mummified remains can be achieved with these innovative approaches.
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