Experience based efficient approach for DNA-led identification of highly carbonized human remains

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Visual and fingerprint identification are often impossible for severely burned bodies.
• Molecular identification, particularly DNA analysis, is crucial for identifying remains, especially detached body parts.

Observation:

• This study details the successful molecular identification of 11 victims with heavily carbonized remains from a helicopter crash, femicide, and car accidents.
• Post-mortem (PM) and ante-mortem (AM) data were compared to achieve identification.
• Complete autosomal and Y chromosome Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiles were successfully generated from the challenging samples.

Findings:

• Successful DNA typing was achieved even with highly degraded genetic material due to extreme heat exposure.
• The study highlights the effectiveness of systematic sampling strategies and selecting optimal biological material for DNA analysis.
• The DVI (Disaster Victim Identification) module in Familias software aided in the rapid identification of victims from the helicopter crash.

Implications:

• This research validates the reliability of molecular identification techniques in forensic casework involving severe thermal damage.
• The findings underscore the importance of optimized DNA analysis protocols and specialized software for efficient Disaster Victim Identification (DVI).
• Successful identification facilitates timely closure for grieving families and aids legal investigations.