1. Fifth Annual “Current Trends in Forensic Sciences”

2. “Current Trends in Forensic Sciences” Thanks To: Harris Methodist Hospitals Harris Methodist Hospitals Texas Wesleyan University Law School Texas Wesleyan University Law School

3. Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s District Roger D Metcalf DDS Chief of the Human ID Lab 817-920-5700 ext 160 Serving Tarrant, Denton and Parker Counties Accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners and the Association of Crime Laboratory Directors

4. Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s District Methods of Identification of Human Remains in the Medical Examiner’s Office This Ain’t CSI ! Copyright © 2004 Roger D Metcalf DDS

5. Methods of Identification Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 49 Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 49 An examination of an unidentified body shall include: all available fingerprints and palm prints, dental charts and radiographs of the person’s teeth, frontal and lateral photographs, notation and photographs of all significant scars, tattoos, marks, items of clothing or other personal effects, notation of antemortem medical conditions, observations pertinent to the estimation of time-of-death and may include: full body radiographs, and hair specimens with roots – we always take these plus fluids and tissue specimens An examination of an unidentified body shall include: all available fingerprints and palm prints, dental charts and radiographs of the person’s teeth, frontal and lateral photographs, notation and photographs of all significant scars, tattoos, marks, items of clothing or other personal effects, notation of antemortem medical conditions, observations pertinent to the estimation of time-of-death and may include: full body radiographs, and hair specimens with roots – we always take these plus fluids and tissue specimens

6. Methods of Identification Why do we need to identify remains? Why do we need to identify remains? To help the family through the grieving process and final disposition of the remains To help the family through the grieving process and final disposition of the remains To obtain a death certificate and/or cremation permit To obtain a death certificate and/or cremation permit To settle civil matters—wills, estate transfers, insurance matters, child custody, remarriage of surviving spouse To settle civil matters—wills, estate transfers, insurance matters, child custody, remarriage of surviving spouse Possible criminal matters Possible criminal matters

7. Methods of Identification Under Article 49.25 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, “…an unidentified body may not be cremated and, if the body is buried, the precise location of burial and all information pertaining to the body must be maintained for a period not less than 10 years…” – we keep information, of course, essentially forever Under Article 49.25 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, “…an unidentified body may not be cremated and, if the body is buried, the precise location of burial and all information pertaining to the body must be maintained for a period not less than 10 years…” – we keep information, of course, essentially forever The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s District does about 2,000 autopsies per year and, of those, about 200 present to our office as unidentified remains The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s District does about 2,000 autopsies per year and, of those, about 200 present to our office as unidentified remains

8. Methods of Identification These are methods we use to identify human remains These are methods we use to identify human remains Not all remains we receive are human! But we examine all remains brought to our attention: Not all remains we receive are human! But we examine all remains brought to our attention: Dogs Dogs Deer Deer Cattle/horses Cattle/horses 3 – 5 nonhuman remains per month—construction sites, increases during hunting season 3 – 5 nonhuman remains per month—construction sites, increases during hunting season

9. Methods of Identification Jug o’ Intestines (these were non-human)

10. Methods of Identification

11. 1. Visual 1. Visual

12. Methods of Identification 1. Visual 1. Visual 2. Fingerprint 2. Fingerprint

13. Methods of Identification 1. Visual 1. Visual 2. Fingerprint 2. Fingerprint 3. Dental 3. Dental

14. Methods of Identification 1. Visual 1. Visual 2. Fingerprint 2. Fingerprint 3. Dental 3. Dental 4. Anthropological 4. Anthropological

15. Methods of Identification 1. Visual 1. Visual 2. Fingerprint 2. Fingerprint 3. Dental 3. Dental 4. Anthropological 4. Anthropological 5. DNA 5. DNA

16. Methods of Identification 1. Visual 1. Visual 2. Fingerprint 2. Fingerprint 3. Dental 3. Dental 4. Anthropological 4. Anthropological 5. DNA 5. DNA 6. Other 6. Other

17. Methods of Identification Notice that the list of methods we use is ranked in order of ease-of-use Notice that the list of methods we use is ranked in order of ease-of-use

18. Methods of Identification Notice that the list of methods we use is ranked in order of ease-of-use Notice that the list of methods we use is ranked in order of ease-of-use The list is also ranked in order of the amount of time each method generally requires to perform The list is also ranked in order of the amount of time each method generally requires to perform

19. Methods of Identification Notice that the list of methods we use is ranked in order of ease-of-use Notice that the list of methods we use is ranked in order of ease-of-use The list is also ranked in order of the amount of time each method generally requires to perform The list is also ranked in order of the amount of time each method generally requires to perform Ease-of-use and time required for each method translates into co$t to taxpayers Ease-of-use and time required for each method translates into co$t to taxpayers

20. Methods of Identification Also note that the list of methods is arranged in order of how decomposed the remains are when they reach our office Also note that the list of methods is arranged in order of how decomposed the remains are when they reach our office

21. Methods of Identification Method of ID Tentative ID Unknown Visual Family member Don’t know who family is Fingerprint Driver’s license Criminal history AFIS Dental Family might know dentist NCIC Anthropology Compare medical radiographs Facial reconstruction DNA Compare to family member Texas Missing Person’s DNA Database

22. Methods of Identification Visual Visual Identification by next-of-kin Identification by next-of-kin Driver’s license or other State issued id. Driver’s license or other State issued id. Passport or Military or other Federally issued id. Passport or Military or other Federally issued id.

23. Methods of Identification Photos from law enforcement agencies Photos from law enforcement agencies Work or school photo id. Work or school photo id. Tattoos?? Tattoos?? 5 – 10 visual id.s per month, id.’ed usually same day 5 – 10 visual id.s per month, id.’ed usually same day May not be possible due to decomposition or simply lack of id. May not be possible due to decomposition or simply lack of id.

24. Methods of Identification Tattoos?? We can generally use tattoos to include or exclude, but only in rare circumstances would we use them for id. … Tattoos?? We can generally use tattoos to include or exclude, but only in rare circumstances would we use them for id. …

25. Methods of Identification …but this is the usual sort of tattoo we see… …but this is the usual sort of tattoo we see…

26. Methods of Identification Visual id. by the family is performed via closed-circuit television to our conference room from the morgue—we don’t pull bodies out of big stainless-steel drawers and dramatically throw the sheet back like on “Quincy” – we try to “sanitize” the process as much as possible Visual id. by the family is performed via closed-circuit television to our conference room from the morgue—we don’t pull bodies out of big stainless-steel drawers and dramatically throw the sheet back like on “Quincy” – we try to “sanitize” the process as much as possible

27. Methods of Identification Fingerprint comparison Fingerprint comparison To the best of our knowledge, we’re the only M.E.’s office to have an in-house AFIS terminal  Quick! Bill Bailey is our expert fingerprint examiner and Bill Walker, Bedford PD, helps us if Mr Bailey is not available To the best of our knowledge, we’re the only M.E.’s office to have an in-house AFIS terminal  Quick! Bill Bailey is our expert fingerprint examiner and Bill Walker, Bedford PD, helps us if Mr Bailey is not available Compare to fingerprint records from a law-enforcement agency Compare to fingerprint records from a law-enforcement agency Compare to thumbprints from driver’s license Compare to thumbprints from driver’s license

28. Methods of Identification Occasionally we can get antemortem fingerprint records from military records or employer Occasionally we can get antemortem fingerprint records from military records or employer May even have to go to decedent’s residence to retrieve an object known to have decedent’s fingerprints for comparison May even have to go to decedent’s residence to retrieve an object known to have decedent’s fingerprints for comparison We have approximately 10-20 fingerprint id.s per month, usually id.’ed in same day We have approximately 10-20 fingerprint id.s per month, usually id.’ed in same day May not be possible due to decomposition or lack of antemortem fingerprints on file May not be possible due to decomposition or lack of antemortem fingerprints on file

29. Methods of Identification Dental comparison Dental comparison Teeth are the body parts most susceptible to disease during life, but last the longest after death—they survive plane crashes, explosions, fires, mass disasters quite well Teeth are the body parts most susceptible to disease during life, but last the longest after death—they survive plane crashes, explosions, fires, mass disasters quite well To the best of our knowledge, we’re the only county M.E.’s office with a full-time odontologist (fancy name for a dentist) To the best of our knowledge, we’re the only county M.E.’s office with a full-time odontologist (fancy name for a dentist) Can id. from one single tooth in some cases Can id. from one single tooth in some cases

30. Methods of Identification Can get DNA sample from teeth even after years of exposure to the elements or burial Can get DNA sample from teeth even after years of exposure to the elements or burial Have to be able to locate treating dentist and retrieve antemortem records—no national dental clearinghouse Have to be able to locate treating dentist and retrieve antemortem records—no national dental clearinghouse We have about 3 – 5 dental id.s per month, may take several days to weeks to id. We have about 3 – 5 dental id.s per month, may take several days to weeks to id. May not be possible if cannot locate dentist or records May not be possible if cannot locate dentist or records

31. Methods of Identification Note: some of the next few slides may be disturbing, but this is what we deal with every day Note: some of the next few slides may be disturbing, but this is what we deal with every day Your discretion is appreciated in not discussing these cases with “outsiders” —these are real cases from our office Your discretion is appreciated in not discussing these cases with “outsiders” —these are real cases from our office

32. Methods of Identification First sort of typical unidentified remains requiring dental identification Photo deleted

33. Methods of Identification Cedar chest in which she was found….

34. Methods of Identification

37. Dental radiograph comparison—having some restorations makes things easier for identification

38. Methods of Identification …but we do not always have to have restorations

39. Methods of Identification …and sometimes they just don’t match

40. Methods of Identification The second typical sort of remains requiring dental identification--teeth usually survive intense fires quite well Photo deleted

41. Methods of Identification Our most famous case…. Our most famous case…. Vernon Howell a.k.a. David Koresh

42. Methods of Identification

47. Anthropological Anthropological To the best of our knowledge, we’re the only county M.E.’s office with a full-time board- certified forensic anthropologist—Dr Dana Austin To the best of our knowledge, we’re the only county M.E.’s office with a full-time board- certified forensic anthropologist—Dr Dana Austin Can almost always determine sex, “race,” age range, stature from skeletal remains Can almost always determine sex, “race,” age range, stature from skeletal remains Can often determine if trauma was inflicted such as stab wound or gun-shot wound Can often determine if trauma was inflicted such as stab wound or gun-shot wound

48. Methods of Identification Can compare antemortem medical radiographs with radiographs from remains for id.—artificial joint replacements, other surgical appliances, skeletal abnormalities Can compare antemortem medical radiographs with radiographs from remains for id.—artificial joint replacements, other surgical appliances, skeletal abnormalities Facial reconstruction from skull Facial reconstruction from skull Usually identifies the nonhuman remains Usually identifies the nonhuman remains We have 2 - 5 anthropological identifications per month, might take days to weeks to id. We have 2 - 5 anthropological identifications per month, might take days to weeks to id.

49. Methods of Identification

51. Case #0405892: Caucasian, poss. Hispanic male Case #0405892: Caucasian, poss. Hispanic male About 5’ 09”, dark hair About 5’ 09”, dark hair Between 28-42 yrs old at time of death Between 28-42 yrs old at time of death Died between Jan and June, 2004 in Fort Worth Died between Jan and June, 2004 in Fort Worth

52. Methods of Identification T.C.M.E. case #0405892, T.C.M.E. case #0405892, NCIC #U010004640 NCIC #U010004640 DNA has been submitted to Texas Missing Person’s DNA Database at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (if you know of another missing person case please arrange to have sample submitted—there is no charge to the family or your agency) DNA has been submitted to Texas Missing Person’s DNA Database at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (if you know of another missing person case please arrange to have sample submitted—there is no charge to the family or your agency) His teeth are in very good condition—exc. for large cavity in #19, missing #30 His teeth are in very good condition—exc. for large cavity in #19, missing #30

53. Methods of Identification DNA analysis -- nuclear or mitochondrial DNA analysis -- nuclear or mitochondrial Can compare DNA from remains with DNA from putative parent, child, or sibling—sample from remains can be blood, bone, muscle, tooth; a buccal swab is taken from the relative (a “blood” relative, please) Can compare DNA from remains with DNA from putative parent, child, or sibling—sample from remains can be blood, bone, muscle, tooth; a buccal swab is taken from the relative (a “blood” relative, please) Can submit DNA from remains to CODIS database to search for a “hit” Can submit DNA from remains to CODIS database to search for a “hit”

54. Methods of Identification May be able to extract mitochondrial DNA from bones or teeth even after years of exposure or degradation (a maternal relative is required for mitochondrial DNA analysis) May be able to extract mitochondrial DNA from bones or teeth even after years of exposure or degradation (a maternal relative is required for mitochondrial DNA analysis) We have about 1 DNA id. per month, may require several weeks to months for processing, expensive, have to be able to locate a “blood” relative We have about 1 DNA id. per month, may require several weeks to months for processing, expensive, have to be able to locate a “blood” relative

55. Methods of Identification Again, may have to go to decedent’s residence to retrieve an object known to have decedent’s DNA— such as hairbrush or toothbrush Again, may have to go to decedent’s residence to retrieve an object known to have decedent’s DNA— such as hairbrush or toothbrush Can retrieve DNA from fingerprint cards Can retrieve DNA from fingerprint cards Can retrieve DNA from medical slides Can retrieve DNA from medical slides

56. Methods of Identification Other Other Circumstantial Circumstantial Microscopic Microscopic

57. Methods of Identification For a successful identification, a common thread in all these methods is that there must be some sort of antemortem record of the person somewhere that we can locate and use for comparison For a successful identification, a common thread in all these methods is that there must be some sort of antemortem record of the person somewhere that we can locate and use for comparison Despite all reasonable attempts at identification, some bodies remain unidentified and are buried at the County’s expense Despite all reasonable attempts at identification, some bodies remain unidentified and are buried at the County’s expense

58. Methods of Identification What the future holds…… What the future holds…… Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Thursday, October 14, 2004

59. Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s District Roger D Metcalf DDS Chief of the Human ID Lab 817-920-5700 ext 160 metcalfdds@aol.com Serving Tarrant, Denton and Parker Counties Accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners and the Association of Crime Laboratory Directors