Facial Reconstruction Solves Forensic Investigation - Cumberland University

[Pages:1]Facial Reconstruction Solves Forensic Investigation

Thomas Chenault Cumberland University, 1 Cumberland Square, Lebanon, TN 37087

Introduction

Facial Reconstruction is a method in the forensic field when a crime investigation involves unidentified remains (Crime Museum). The skull bone has a 92% sex determination accuracy (Aghakhani et al. 2012)

This presentation focuses on the forensic science of facial reconstruction to identify not only the sex of the skeletal remains but most importantly the actual identity of the remains.

Experimental

A forensic anthropologist main role is the locating and identifying human skeletal remains. These scientist primarily use DNS analysis, bone identification, and special techniques such as odontology to identify the remains of individual (Ritter 2007)

Facial reconstruction takes the process one step further by the use of computer and clay models to produce both a 2D and 3D image of the victims remains.

Results and Discussion

Facial Reconstruction dates back almost 3000 years. Egyptians and Indian's performed on areas of the face such as the nose, ears and lips along with skin grafting. Bones and mummies of the dead were preserved. Sculptures and death mask were created wit results of the models being very realistic and live like. (Plastic )

The first scientific reconstructions were in 1883 by a German doctor. In the 20th century, technical developments with the reconstruction of features and facial bones began. In the early 21st century computerized facial reconstruction has brought increased efficiency and success with facial reconstruction.

Facial recognition and reconstruction has come a long way. Modern 3D forensic facial reconstruction now allows us to see what a face might have looked like from a skull.

Conclusions

Facial reconstruction starts with assessing the owner of the skull's race, sex and age. The race and sex can be determined with relatively good accuracy from the skull alone. Facial reconstruction, even 3D facial reconstruction is not a legally recognized for positive identification and is not admissible in court as expert's testimony. However, it has been the basis of many cases being solved that would otherwise gone unsolved.

References

1. Combination Manchester method, Facial modeling, Forensic art, Forensic science. (n.d.). Retrieved September 25, 2020, from

2. Hoover, C. (2019, August 31). MCC forensics instructor recreates faces for crime-solving. Retrieved September 25, 2020, from

Figure 1: Forensic artist use tissue depth marker to create a 2D drawing of the suspect or victim.

Figure 2: 3D forensic facial reconstruction using clay to positively identify a suspect or victim.

3. Skeletal Remains Identification by Facial Reconstruction, by Phillips (Forensic Science Communications, January 2001). (2011, March 01). Retrieved September 25, 2020, from

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