The Application of Forensic Anthropology to the Recovery & Identification of Human Remains Dr. Tosha Dupras National Center for Forensic Science University.

The Application of Forensic

Anthropology to the Recovery &

Identification of Human Remains

Dr. Tosha DuprasNational Center for Forensic Science

University of Central Florida

NATIONAL CENTER FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE

Forensic Anthropology

Forensic anthropology is the application of the science of physical

anthropology to the legal process

Forensic Anthropologists frequently work with:

- Forensic pathologists- Forensic dentists- Homicide investigators

What do Forensic Anthropologists do?

• Scene Search

• Excavation and Recovery

• Questions of Identification

• Cause, Manner & Mode of Death

• Time Since Death

Medical Examiner Coroner’s Office

Forensic Anthropologist

Police

Human? Archaeological? Recent?

State Archaeologist

Foul Play?

Time Since Death

Identification

SCENE SEARCH

How do we find buried remains?

Excavation & Recovery

CASE TIME LINE

• Early May, 1987 – Meyers rapes woman who escapes

• May 25th, 1987 – Kathy Engels goes missing• June 1987 – Meyers convicted of rape, sentenced

to 3 years• 1991 – Meyers released from prison• 1994 – Meyers convicted of killing Engels,

receives Death Penalty• 2001 – Meyers strikes deal with Prosecutors

Identification: Biological Profile

What information can a Forensic

Anthropologist provide?

SexAge at Death

RaceStature

Pathology/Trauma

Children vs Adults

• Aging infants and children– Related to growth

• Aging Adults– Related to

degeneration

Adult Age at Death

• Degenerative changes– Pubic Symphysis– Auricular Surface

PUBIC SYMPHYSIS

Auricular Surface