Mass Fatality Incidents: A Guide for Forensic Identification

Section 4.3: Identification of Human Remains—Forensic AnthropologyI. Role of the ForensicAnthropologistPrinciple. The forensic anthropologistassists in the recovery and identification ofremains following a mass fatality incident.A forensic anthropologist has specialized training,education, and experience in the recovery,sorting, and analysis of human and nonhumanremains, especially those that are burned, commingled,and traumatically fragmented.Procedure. In a mass fatality incident, theforensic anthropologist assists in the recovery,sorting, analysis, and identificationof remains. Specifically, with regard to theidentification of human remains, the forensicanthropologist is expected to—A. Provide information concerning thebiological characteristics (e.g., age atdeath, sex, race, and stature) of thedeceased.B. Assist the medical examiner/coronerin determining the circumstances surroundingthe death of the individual.Summary. The forensic anthropologist isexpected to assist with the recovery,analysis, and identification of the remains.II. Initial EvaluationPrinciple. The specifics of the mass fatalityincident determine the relative state ofpreservation and degree of fragmentationof the remains.Procedure. The forensic anthropologist isexpected to—A. Evaluate and document the conditionof the remains, including:1. Complete remains.2. Fragmented remains.3. Burned remains.4. Decomposed remains.5. Commingled remains.6. Any combination of the above.B. Separate obviously commingled remainsto calculate the minimum numberof individuals, while ensuringcontinuity of the established numberingsystem.C. Analyze the remains to determine sex,age at death, stature, and other distinguishingcharacteristics.D. Assist in determining the need foradditional analysis by other forensicidentification disciplines (e.g., radiology,odontology).E. Maintain a log of incomplete remainsto facilitate future reassociation.F. Document, remove, and save nonhumanand/or nonbiological materials forproper disposal.Summary. The forensic anthropologistassesses the condition of the remains andassists in analyses.III. Forensic AnthropologicalAnalysisPrinciple. The forensic anthropologistis expected to analyze the remains,depending on their condition, using variousmethods to determine biologicalattributes (e.g., age, sex, race, stature, and23