Gilles Grévin

Identification by frontal sinus pattern in forensic anthropology

The authors report forensic cases from the literature, as well as two personal homicide cases, of identification through comparison of frontal sinus radiographs. A general discussion about identification using frontal sinus X-rays is presented, pointing out the reliability of the method, in reference to the uniqueness of the frontal sinus in humans, but also some difficulties, especially in reference to the distance, orientation and angle of the X-ray technique.

Anatomical reconstruction of fragments of burned human bones: a necessary means for forensic identification

The aim of any forensic inquiry concerning accidental or criminal cremations is to identify the victims. This identification depends on an essential approach: a careful collection and ultrasonic cleaning of the fragments and splinters of burned bones, and reconstruction--as far as possible--of bone specimens, which implies that forensic anthropologists are well experienced in the field of burned bones.

Experimental Single Controlled Study of Burned Bones: Contribution of Scanning Electron Microscopy

Burned bones were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The samples were cut from a maxillary-mandibular block taken during an autopsy. These fragments were heated in a furnace under controlled temperature conditions for 60 minutes. The temperatures ranged from 150 to 1150 degrees Celsius. The results are as following: (i) there are significant alterations of the bone, more and more obvious as the temperature increases, (ii) it appears to be difficult to establish a precise correlation between the temperature and the scanning electron microscopy patterns.

CONTRIBUTION OF MICROSCOPIC PLANT ANATOMY TO POSTMORTEM BONE DATING

The authors describe a microscopical method of studying plant anatomy for estimating the age of vegetal organs which can help to date bones. This procedure was not based on counting the number of annual rings, as usually, but on demonstrating a completely primary structure without development of secondary formations; this material was considered as a part of a young root system whose development would correspond to about one year. The usefulness and limits of this procedure are discussed.

FACIAL CASTING AS A METHOD TO HELP IDENTIFY SEVERELY DISFIGURED CORPSES

The authors apply a previously reported method for facial casting of severely disfigured corpses, which allowed a three-dimensional cast to be made. This method involved several stages: face restoration, casting by elastomer, then three-dimensional positive image building. This technique seems to be useful in all cases of severe disfiguration of the face, particularly by trauma.

Method for identifying putrefied corpses by facial casting

The authors developed an original method for casting the face of putrefied corpses, which allowed a three-dimensional facial cast of an individual to be made. This method used several stages: face restoration by subcutaneous injections of specific materials, casting by elastomer, then three-dimensional positive image building. This technique enabled the person to be recognized and then identified, and seems to be useful in such difficult cases.

Forensic aspect of cremations on wooden pyre

Three cases of cremation on open-air pyres are described. One was classified as a suicide and two as homicides. Fire duration was estimated at approximately 1 h, close to 2 h and more than 3 h, respectively. The position of the remains, the colour alteration of bone and the burned bone fractures biomechanics are discussed. Knowledge of normal burn patterns in fire and detection of perimortem lesions are essential. These three cases highlight the specific thermal alterations and burning processes in accordance with fire duration. In each case, careful investigation yielded clues as to the manner of death. Close cooperation between law enforcement and forensic pathology investigators is required in order to correctly identify the circumstances of death.

Metastatic carcinoma of presumed prostatic origin in cremated bones from the first century A.D.

Abstract A cremated pelvis dating from the first century A.D. showed evidence of osteosclerotic metastasis, presumably secondary to prostate carcinoma. The case demonstrates the importance of microradiography in palaeopathology as well as some of the structural changes seen in cremated bone.

An amazing case of fatal self-immolation

We present a surprising case of suicide by self-immolation. A surveillance camera filmed the victims agony. We were able to ascertain that he survived 13 min after ignition. This case was the starting point for a review of the literature of the forensic elements required to correctly analyze cases of suicide by self-immolation and to establish the causal link between the burn lesions and death. The authors will focus on the forensic and medical aspects in favor of suicide by self-immolation and on the forensic aspects required to understand the ignition process, the circumstances surrounding the fire with a particular emphasis on determining whether an accelerant was doused on the victim before ignition.