Crime Scene Investigator Network Newsletter

Introduction

In any death investigation, particularly homicide, the timely identification of the decedent is crucial to a successful conclusion of the case. In most instances, an identification is made through the conventional means of fingerprint, dental, or DNA comparisons. When an identification does not occur, a forensic artist may be called upon to produce a likeness that is suitable for a media release to the public. Any leads thus generated may then be compared to the deceased by using the conventional means.

A significant amount of time can elapse between when a body is discovered and when an artist is called in. How exact the likeness is can depend on the materials provided to the artist. Crime scene investigators should always remember that the deceased may not be readily identified and that the quality of the investigator’s photographs and collected evidence will become very important. Particularly in cases of near or complete skeletonization, developing a mind-set to find evidence is crucial, and evidence that is found can be invaluable to a forensic artist. In cases where a body has been found after a lengthy period of time, hairs and clothing fibers of the decendant can often be found in birds’ nests adjacent to the site. Even one hair can indicate the length and color. If the remains are scattered, an attempt should be made to find the “soak area” (i.e., where the body was initially located and the fluids from decomposition permeated the soil). Other areas to search for trace evidence would include windbreaks (i.e., areas where loose evidence may be blown by the wind, such as brush, vegetation, spider webs, or fence lines) and water breaks (i.e., areas where water tends to pool).

Some items can assist in determining the look and cultural lifestyle of the victim. Pieces of fabric and shiny objects, such as jewelry, buttons, or even eyeglasses, can be found in the middens of pack rats. Note: Care should be taken by anyone digging into a rodent area. Hantavirus, a potentially fatal disease, is spread through contact with rodent feces, urine, and saliva.

Methodology

Forensic facial images of deceased persons generally fall into two categories: postmortem renderings or full facial reconstructions. The deciding factor for which method the artist chooses to use is the amount of trauma or decomposition to the decedent’s face. If the face is recognizable, but sufficient trauma or decomposition precludes posting the image to the public, a postmortem drawing or photographic enhancement can be used. If the remains are skeletal or badly decomposed, the preferred method is a full facial reconstruction upon the skull. In both postmortem and full reconstruction cases, specific photographs of the remaining eyes, nose, ears, facial or head hair, or anything unique about the decedent can be most valuable.

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