Forensic Recovery of Human Remains : Archaeological Approaches

by Dupras, Tosha L.; Schultz, John J.; Wheeler, Sandra M.; Williams, Lana J.; Dupras, Tosha L.

• ISBN13: 9780849329821
• ISBN10: 0849329825
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-08-23
• Publisher: CRC Press

Summary

An essential reference for both forensic experts and non-experts alike, Forensic Recovery of Human Remains: Archaeological Approaches is a comprehensive guide thatfocuses on the practical aspects of excavating and recovering human remains, along with any associated evidence, from crime scenes. It highlights the protocols and techniques that are used to successfully survey, map, recover, document, collect, and transport such items from these locations.Topics include identifying the difference between forensic archaeology and anthropology; employing the correct equipment when conducting searches, recoveries, and excavations; leveraging geophysical technologies used in forensic searches; collecting botanical and entomological evidence; mapping and documenting scenes; and classifying human and nonhuman skeletal remains.The authors present this information in a thorough yet straightforward manner for those who are experienced in the field of forensic recovery and for those who may not yet be as seasoned. In either situation, if you want to be confident that you have uncovered and carefully processed every bit of potential evidence at the scene, then Forensic Recovery of Human Remains: Archaeological Approaches is the one reference to have with you every time.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 An Introduction to Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Archaeology	1	(12)
1.1 What Do Forensic Anthropologists Do?	3	(2)
1.2 What Do Forensic Archaeologists Do?	5	(4)
1.3 Where Are Forensic Anthropologists and Forensic Archaeologists Employed?	9	(1)
1.4 How to Find a Forensic Anthropologist or Forensic Archaeologist	10	(3)
1.4.1 American Academy of Forensic Sciences	10	(1)
1.4.2 American Board of Forensic Anthropology	11	(2)
Chapter 2 Tools and Equipment	13	(10)
2.1 Search and Site Preparation Equipment	13	(1)
2.2 Field Excavation Equipment	14	(4)
2.3 Mapping and Measuring Equipment	18	(2)
2.4 Drawing and Recording Equipment	20	(1)
2.5 Optional Equipment	20	(3)
Chapter 3 Search Techniques Used in Locating Human Remains	23	(28)
3.1 Types of Search Areas	24	(1)
3.2 Planning the Search	24	(3)
3.2.1 Visual Foot Searches	25	(3)
3.2.1.1 Strip or Line Search	25	(2)
3.2.1.2 Grid Search	27	(1)
3.2.1.3 Circular Pattern	27	(1)
3.3 Other Recommendations for Visual Searches	27	(1)
3.4 Briefing Team Members Prior to a Search	28	(1)
3.5 Indicators to Look for When Searching for Burials and Surface Remains	28	(12)
3.5.1 Locating Surface Scatters	28	(1)
3.5.2 Locating Disarticulated and Dispersed Remains	29	(9)
3.5.2.1 Common Taphonomic Processes That Disarticulate and Disperse Skeletal Remains	30	(1)
3.5.2.2 Weathering	30	(2)
3.5.2.3 Carnivore Activity	32	(1)
3.5.2.4 Rodent Gnawing	33	(3)
3.5.2.5 Botanical Activity	36	(1)
3.5.2.6 Additional Taphonomic Processes That Can Damage Bone	37	(1)
3.5.3 Locating Burials	38	(2)
3.6 Cadaver Dogs	40	(4)
3.6.1 What Is a Cadaver Dog?	40	(3)
3.6.2 Limitations of Cadaver Dogs	43	(1)
3.6.3 Finding a Cadaver Dog	43	(1)
3.7 Intrusive Search Methods	44	(3)
3.7.1 Probe Searches	44	(3)
3.7.2 Disadvantages of Using Probe Searches	47	(1)
3.8 Shovel Testing and Shovel Shining	47	(2)
3.9 Forensic Backhoe	49	(2)
Chapter 4 GPR and Other Geophysical Search Technologies	51	(18)
4.1 Ground-Penetrating Radar	52	(5)
4.1.1 GPR Equipment	53	(3)
4.1.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of GPR	56	(1)
4.2 Conductivity Meters	57	(2)
4.3 Resistivity Meters	59	(1)
4.4 Magnetometers	60	(1)
4.5 Metal Detectors	60	(4)
4.6 Magnetic Locators	64	(1)
4.7 Side-Scan Sonar	65	(1)
4.8 How to Find a Consultant for a Geophysical Survey	66	(3)
Chapter 5 The Collection of Botanical and Entomological Evidence	69	(12)
5.1 Forensic Botany	69	(4)
5.1.1 Collection Procedures for Botanical Evidence	71	(2)
5.1.2 How to Find a Forensic Botanist	73	(1)
5.2 Forensic Entomology	73	(8)
5.2.1 Insect Life Cycle	74	(2)
5.2.2 Collection Procedures for Entomological Evidence	76	(1)
5.2.3 Collecting Climatological and Temperature Data	76	(1)
5.2.4 Collection of Specimens before Body Removal	77	(2)
5.2.4.1 Collection of Fast Flying and Crawling Insects	77	(1)
5.2.4.2 Collection of Insects on the Body	77	(2)
5.2.4.3 Collection of Insects That Have Migrated from the Body	79	(1)
5.2.5 Collection of Specimens after Body Removal	79	(1)
5.2.6 How to Find a Forensic Entomologist	80	(1)
Chapter 6 Survey and Mapping Techniques	81	(22)
6.1 Scales for Recording Data	81	(1)
6.2 Accuracy in Recording Data	82	(1)
6.3 Transit Survey Systems	82	(4)
6.3.1 Datum Points and Benchmarks	84	(2)
6.4 Compass Survey	86	(1)
6.5 Selecting a Framework for Mapping	87	(12)
6.5.1 Setting Limits and Datum for Mapping	88	(3)
6.5.2 Control-Point Mapping	91	(1)
6.5.3 Grid-System Mapping	92	(4)
6.5.4 Sectional Drawings from Mapped Data	96	(1)
6.5.5 Mapping on a Slope	97	(1)
6.5.6 Records of Recovery	98	(1)
6.6 Global Positioning Systems	99	(1)
6.7 Photograph and Map Resources	100	(3)
Chapter 7 The Application of Forensic Archaeology to Crime Scene Investigations	103	(26)
7.1 General Principles of Archaeology	105	(4)
7.1.1 Provenience and Context	105	(1)
7.1.2 Features	105	(1)
7.1.3 Stratigraphy	106	(1)
7.1.4 Superposition and Relative Dating	107	(1)
7.1.5 Geotaphonomy	108	(2)
7.1.5.1 Tool Marks	108	(1)
7.1.5.2 Bioturbation	108	(1)
7.1.5.3 Sedimentation	109	(1)
7.1.5.4 Compaction and Depression	109	(1)
7.2 Process of Burial	109	(1)
7.3 Description of Burials	110	(3)
7.3.1 Surface Deposit	110	(1)
7.3.2 Primary Burials	111	(1)
7.3.3 Disturbed Burials	111	(1)
7.3.4 Secondary Burials	112	(1)
7.3.5 Multiple Burials	112	(1)
7.3.6 Cremations or Thermal Damage to Skeletal Remains	112	(1)
7.4 Position and Orientation of the Body	113	(1)
7.5 Archaeological Approaches to Recovering Human Remains	114	(12)
7.5.1 Removing Surface Remains and Associated Evidence	114	(2)
7.5.1.1 Step #1 Examining the Recovery Area and Establishing Spatial Controls	115	(1)
7.5.1.2 Step #2 Exposing and Recording the Main Surface Site	116	(1)
7.5.1.3 Step #3 Removing Surface Remains	116	(1)
7.5.2 Removing Buried Remains and Associated Evidence	116	(22)
7.5.2.1 Step #1 Examining the Recovery Area and Establishing Spatial Controls	117	(1)
7.5.2.2 Step #2 Identifying and Examining the Burial Cut	117	(1)
7.5.2.3 Step #3 Excavating the Burial Feature	118	(3)
7.5.2.4 Step #4 Exposing the Remains	121	(3)
7.5.2.5 Step #5 Removing the Remains	124	(1)
7.5.2.6 Step #6 Excavating the Burial Cut	125	(1)
7.6 Packaging and Storage of Human Skeletal Remains	126	(1)
7.7 Recovery of Fleshed Remains	127	(1)
7.8 Recovery of Juvenile Remains	127	(1)
7.9 Recovery of Burnt Remains	128	(1)
Chapter 8 Forensic Archaeological Case Study	129	(8)
Chapter 9 Identification of Human Remains	137	(24)
9.1 Typical Skeletal Terminology Used in Forensic Reports	138	(5)
9.1.1 Terminology Associated with the Gross Morphology of Bone	138	(2)
9.1.2 Terminology Associated with Bone Features	140	(1)
9.1.3 Terminology Associated with Skeletal Direction	140	(3)
9.2 Basic Adult Human Skeletal Biology	143	(8)
9.3 The Subadult Skeleton	151	(1)
9.4 Human Dentition	152	(9)
9.4.1 Terminology Associated with the Human Dentition	153	(4)
9.4.2 Dental Numbering Systems	157	(4)
Chapter 10 Distinguishing Nonhuman Skeletal Remains	161	(22)
10.1 Distinguishing Humans from Other Mammals	163	(6)
10.2 The Bird Skeleton	169	(4)
10.3 The Reptilian Skeleton	173	(4)
10.4 The Amphibian Skeleton	177	(1)
10.5 The Fish Skeleton	177	(1)
10.6 Nonhuman Animal Bones Commonly Confused with Human Bones	178	(5)
Appendix 1: Basic Equipment Checklist	183	(2)
Appendix 2: Entomology Kit Checklist	185	(2)
Appendix 3: Entomology Notation and Collection Checklist	187	(2)
Appendix 4: Entomology Specimen Log Sheet	189	(2)
Appendix 5: Entomology Data Form (After Byrd, 2001)	191	(2)
Appendix 6: Entomological Preservation Solutions (Terrestrial)	193	(2)
Appendix 7: Measurement Equivalents and Conversion Factors	195	(4)
Appendix 8: Hypotenuse Table for Constructing Grids	199	(4)
Appendix 9: Adult Skeletal Inventory Form	203	(2)
Appendix 10: Adult Skeleton Inventory Image	205	(2)
Appendix 11: Juvenile Skeleton Inventory Image	207	(2)
Glossary	209	(8)
References	217	(8)
Index	225