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Ohlwärther TEN, Holz F, Edler K, Kölzer SC, Reuss E, Verhoff MA, Birngruber CG. Bone finds and their medicolegal examination: a study from Hesse, Germany. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024; 20:480-489. [PMID: 37067670 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00599-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Bones found by chance can be of great criminal or historical interest. The nature of their appraisal depends on the individual case, the locally effective legislation and the available resources. To assess whether a find is relevant with respect to criminal investigation, the circumstances of the find and the results of the forensic examination carried out by trained personnel must be considered. The aim of this study was to obtain an overview of the circumstances and nature of the finds as well as the results of the subsequent expert opinions by evaluating bone finds from the federal state of Hesse, Germany. For this purpose, over a 10-year period from 2011 to 2020, all bone finds examined at the Institutes of Legal Medicine in Gießen and Frankfurt am Main, Germany, were evaluated retrospectively with regard to the locations and circumstances of the finds, their nature (human or non-human), the postmortem interval, possible traces of violent impact and the results of further examinations. Of the 288 bone finds evaluated, 38.2% were found in forests, meadows and parks. In 50.7%, the finds contained human bones, of which 37.0% had a forensically relevant postmortem interval of 50 years or less. Evidence of trauma was described in 77.4% of the human bone cases: postmortem damage in 78.8%, peri-mortem injury in 9.7% and ante-mortem injury in 11.5%. DNA examinations were performed in 40.4% of the human bone finds. They yielded STR profiles in 81.3%, leading to a definite identification in 35.4%. Among the non-human bones sent in, the most common were bones from pigs (23.4%), deer (18.1%), cattle (16.4%), roe deer (11.7%) and sheep (11.7%). The macroscopic examination is the first step of the forensic-osteological evaluation and sets the course for further examinations or investigations. DNA examinations are of great importance for the reliable identification of human bones. They were responsible for 70.8% of successful identifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- T E N Ohlwärther
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University, Kennedyallee 104, Frankfurt am Main, 60596, Germany
| | - F Holz
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University, Kennedyallee 104, Frankfurt am Main, 60596, Germany
| | - K Edler
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Gießen and Marburg, Justus-Liebig-University, Gießen, Germany
| | - S C Kölzer
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University, Kennedyallee 104, Frankfurt am Main, 60596, Germany
| | - E Reuss
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University, Kennedyallee 104, Frankfurt am Main, 60596, Germany
| | - M A Verhoff
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University, Kennedyallee 104, Frankfurt am Main, 60596, Germany
| | - C G Birngruber
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University, Kennedyallee 104, Frankfurt am Main, 60596, Germany.
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Nicklisch N, Ramsthaler F, Bunnefeld JH, Schulz G, Friedrich R, Alt KW, Meller H. Bioarchaeological investigations of the princely grave at Helmsdorf attesting to the violent death of an Early Bronze Age leader. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16139. [PMID: 36168035 PMCID: PMC9515160 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20720-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The Helmsdorf "princely" tomb, excavated at the beginning of the twentieth century, is one of the most important archaeological discoveries dating from the Early Bronze Age in central Germany. In addition to the burial inventory, which points to an elevated social position of the deceased, a number of highly fragmented skeletal remains were preserved. Forensic anthropological investigation identified three distinctive bone defects, the surfaces of which were macromorphologically and microscopically examined in greater detail. Micro-CT analyses were also carried out. The results of all examinations suggested that the defects represented three perimortem injuries. The wound morphology was indicative of the use of a bladed weapon. The combination of injuries and their locations supported the assumption of a targeted use of force to kill. A comparison of Early Bronze Age weapons and tools with the bone lesions led to the identification of a type of weapon possibly used in the attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Nicklisch
- Center of Natural and Cultural Human History, Danube Private University, Förthofstraße 2, 3500, Krems-Stein, Austria.
| | - Frank Ramsthaler
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Saarland University, 66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany.
| | - Jan-Heinrich Bunnefeld
- State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology, Saxony-Anhalt - State Museum of Prehistory, Richard-Wagner-Str. 9, 06114, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Georg Schulz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Basel, Gewerbestraße 14, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Ronny Friedrich
- Curt-Engelhorn-Center Archaeometry, D6-3, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kurt W Alt
- Center of Natural and Cultural Human History, Danube Private University, Förthofstraße 2, 3500, Krems-Stein, Austria.,Institute of Prehistory and Archaeological Science, University of Basel, Spalenring 145, 4055, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Harald Meller
- State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology, Saxony-Anhalt - State Museum of Prehistory, Richard-Wagner-Str. 9, 06114, Halle, Saale, Germany
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Braun S, Indra L, Lösch S, Milella M. Perimortem Skeletal Sharp Force Trauma: Detection Reliability on CT Data, Demographics and Anatomical Patterns from a Forensic Dataset. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050666. [PMID: 35625394 PMCID: PMC9138488 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The increased use of computed tomography images in forensic anthropology is easily explained with a variety of benefits: among other reasons they are digitally stored, they can easily be shared and they are non-invasive. However, it is not clear how suitable these images are for forensic anthropologists to detect sharp force trauma. Therefore, we analyzed computed tomography images, by observing digital images of 41 forensic cases in different viewing modalities. In addition, we looked for anatomical injury patterns in the soft- and hard-tissues and any significant correlations between the manner of death (suicide or homicide) with different parameters. Our findings indicated a superiority of viewing the images in 2D, but not all bone lesions were detected. The manner of death was significantly correlated to some of the parameters, which could be extrapolated to future forensic anthropological cases. We promote the inclusion of imaging training into the anthropological curricula. Abstract The increasing importance of trauma analysis by means of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is insufficiently reflected in forensic curricula, nor are best practice manuals available. We attempt to detect sharp force bone lesions on PMCT of closed forensic cases with the aims of assessing errors and pointing out patterns in anatomical location and manner of death (MOD). We investigated 41 closed sharp force fatality cases, with available PMCT and forensic reports. Two observers with different radiological training assessed the lesions on PMCT scans (2D and 3D) for comparison with the reports. Between 3% (suicides) and 15.3% (homicides) of sharp force injuries caused visible bone lesions. While our observations were repeatable, each forensic investigation left a similar number of bone lesions undetected. Injury patterns differed between MOD, with thoracic bone lesions being most frequent overall. Soft tissue injury location varied between the MOD. Associations between MOD and age as well as number of injuries were significant. The detection of bone lesions on PMCT for untrained forensic specialists is challenging, curricula and pertinent manuals are desirable. With the low frequency of bone lesions compared to soft tissue injuries, we should be aware when analyzing decomposed bodies.
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Colleter R, Bataille CP, Dabernat H, Pichot D, Hamon P, Duchesne S, Labaune-Jean F, Jean S, Le Cloirec G, Milano S, Trost M, Steinbrenner S, Marchal M, Guilbeau-Frugier C, Telmon N, Crubézy É, Jaouen K. The last battle of Anne of Brittany: Solving mass grave through an interdisciplinary approach (paleopathology, biological anthropology, history, multiple isotopes and radiocarbon dating). PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248086. [PMID: 33951047 PMCID: PMC8099129 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mass graves are usually key historical markers with strong incentive for archeological investigations. The identification of individuals buried in mass graves has long benefitted from traditional historical, archaeological, anthropological and paleopathological techniques. The addition of novel methods including genetic, genomic and isotopic geochemistry have renewed interest in solving unidentified mass graves. In this study, we demonstrate that the combined use of these techniques allows the identification of the individuals found in two Breton historical mass graves, where one method alone would not have revealed the importance of this discovery. The skeletons likely belong to soldiers from the two enemy armies who fought during a major event of Breton history: the siege of Rennes in 1491, which ended by the wedding of the Duchess of Brittany with the King of France and signaled the end of the independence of the region. Our study highlights the value of interdisciplinary approaches with a particular emphasis on increasingly accurate isotopic markers. The development of the sulfur isoscape and testing of the triple isotope geographic assignment are detailed in a companion paper [13].
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozenn Colleter
- INRAP (Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Préventives), Cesson-Sévigné, France
- CNRS, CAGT, UMR 5288, Université Paul Sabatier, 31000, Toulouse, France
| | - Clément P. Bataille
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Henri Dabernat
- CNRS, CAGT, UMR 5288, Université Paul Sabatier, 31000, Toulouse, France
| | | | | | - Sylvie Duchesne
- INRAP (Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Préventives), Cesson-Sévigné, France
- CNRS, CAGT, UMR 5288, Université Paul Sabatier, 31000, Toulouse, France
| | - Françoise Labaune-Jean
- INRAP (Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Préventives), Cesson-Sévigné, France
- CNRS, CReAAH, UMR 6566, Rennes, France
| | - Stéphane Jean
- INRAP (Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Préventives), Cesson-Sévigné, France
| | - Gaétan Le Cloirec
- INRAP (Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Préventives), Cesson-Sévigné, France
- CNRS, CReAAH, UMR 6566, Rennes, France
| | - Stefania Milano
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Human Evolution, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Manuel Trost
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Human Evolution, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sven Steinbrenner
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Human Evolution, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marine Marchal
- CNRS, CAGT, UMR 5288, Université Paul Sabatier, 31000, Toulouse, France
| | - Céline Guilbeau-Frugier
- I2MC, Université de Toulouse, INSERM U1048, 31432, Toulouse, France
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Faculté de Médecine Rangueil, CMEAB, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Norbert Telmon
- CNRS, CAGT, UMR 5288, Université Paul Sabatier, 31000, Toulouse, France
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Éric Crubézy
- CNRS, CAGT, UMR 5288, Université Paul Sabatier, 31000, Toulouse, France
| | - Klervia Jaouen
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Human Evolution, Leipzig, Germany
- CNRS, GET UMR 5563, Observatoire Midi Pyrénées, Toulouse, France
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Rechtsmedizinische Begutachtung von Knochenfunden am Gießener Institut für Rechtsmedizin. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-021-00479-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung
Einleitung
Funde von Knochen(fragmenten) können von Interesse für Strafverfolgungs- oder Denkmalbehörden sein. Die forensisch-osteologische Begutachtung kann zur Einordnung der Bedeutung des Fundes beitragen. Ziel der Studie war, durch eine Auswertung von am Institut für Rechtsmedizin Gießen begutachteten Knochenfunden einen Überblick über Umstände und Art der Funde sowie Umfang und Ergebnisse der Begutachtungen zu erhalten.
Material und Methoden
Für den Zeitraum von 2005 bis 2019 wurden im Institut archivierte osteologische Gutachten analysiert und Daten zu Fundort, -umständen, Humanspezifität, postmortalem Intervall, Spuren von Gewalteinwirkungen und die Ergebnisse weiterführender Untersuchungen ausgewertet.
Ergebnisse
Von 172 begutachteten Knochenfunden wurden 40 % in Wald- und Wiesengebieten aufgefunden. In 58 % enthielten die Funde menschliche Knochen, davon wurde in 32 % eine forensisch relevante Liegezeit nicht ausgeschlossen. Zeichen perimortaler Gewalteinwirkung fanden sich in 6 % menschlicher Knochenfunde. Ergänzende DNA-Untersuchungen wurden in 20 % aller Funde durchgeführt; davon verlief in 62 % die Typisierung humaner STR erfolgreich, und in 41 % gelang die Zuordnung zu einem antemortalen Profil. Bei den zur Begutachtung übersandten nichtmenschlichen Knochen handelte es sich am häufigsten um Knochen von Hirsch bzw. Reh (32 %), Schwein (29 %) und Rind (14 %).
Diskussion
Die Begutachtung von Knochenfunden soll Behörden ermöglichen, die (straf-)rechtliche Relevanz eines Fundes einzuordnen. Die makroskopische Untersuchung ist dafür von großer Bedeutung. Für die Identifizierung menschlicher Knochen besitzen DNA-Vergleichsuntersuchungen einen großen Stellenwert. Sie waren für 81 % der erfolgreichen Identifizierungen der Fälle mit menschlichen Knochen verantwortlich.
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Quatrehomme G, Alunni V. The link between traumatic injury in soft and hard tissue. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 301:118-128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Homicide victims and mechanisms in Lithuania from 2004 to 2016. J Forensic Leg Med 2019; 65:27-31. [PMID: 31039538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A retrospective analysis of 2000 intentional homicide cases from the State Forensic Medicine Service (Vilnius, Lithuania) was carried out in order to evaluate the portrait of homicide victims and mechanisms of death between 2004 and 2016. The definition of intentional homicide appears to be quite straightforward, as a homicide occurs when one person's cause of death can be attributed to another one. Moreover, homicide is accomplished by conscious, active, intentional, or unintentional activities or inaction. All included cases of homicide were qualified as intentional murder. Children rarely become victims of intentional homicide. The group of child intentional murder made only 4.2% of all homicide cases. Seventy-three percent of homicide victims were male. The female victims were older than male and were murdered using a larger variety of objects (p < 0.001). Heavily alcohol-intoxicated victims were murdered using more traumatic affliction by sharp, stabbing-cutting objects (p < 0.001). The largest number of traumatic afflictions was associated with using a blunt object (p < 0.001). Lithuania differs from other European countries in terms of death by shooting: while 13% of homicides resulted from gunshot wounds in Europe, in Lithuania, only 5.6% of homicides did. This fact can be attributed to a relatively lower firearm ownership in Lithuania. This research is the first study that evaluates homicide in Lithuania based on autopsy findings. This study is highly important for homicide investigation tactics, as it emphasizes the portrait of the victim, providing valuable information about the most common mechanism of death, used weapons and traumatic afflictions for the law enforcement agencies.
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Distribution of bone injuries in cases of non-natural death: A retrospective, encompassing study from 2008 to 2017. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 298:351-358. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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State of the art in post-mortem computed tomography: a review of current literature. Virchows Arch 2019; 475:139-150. [PMID: 30937612 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-019-02562-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) and other advanced diagnostic imaging techniques are gaining popularity in forensic pathology. This paper aims to define and offer complete and easily accessible "state of the art" for post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT), by reviewing the latest international literature. The proposed format answers the "five Ws" that follows: (1) What: We report the different kinds of CT scan and settings generally used in post-mortem imaging. The machine most employed is a 8/16-slice spiral CT, usually without contrast enhancement. The introduction of some variables, such as CT-guided biopsies, post-mortem ventilation, and PMCT angiography is becoming increasingly useful. (2) Why: Literature highlights the many advantages of PMCT. Limitations can be partly overcome by modern imaging techniques and combined evaluation with traditional autopsy. (3) Who: Most authors agree that collaboration between different specialists, i.e., radiologists and pathologists, is the best scenario, since radiologic, anatomic, and forensic skills are needed simultaneously. The most important human factor is "teamwork". (4) When: Literature provides no absolute limits for performing PMCT. Some authors have tested PMCT as a replacement for conventional autopsy but found some limitations. Others evaluated PMCT as a guide or screening tool for traditional autopsy. (5) Where: Many research groups around the world have performed studies on the use of PMCT. Although few countries adopt PMCT in routine practice, its use is rapidly spreading.
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Violence in the Early Bronze Age. Diagnosis of skull lesions using anthropological, taphonomic and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2018; 15:324-328. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-018-0054-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Nicklisch N, Ramsthaler F, Meller H, Friederich S, Alt KW. The face of war: Trauma analysis of a mass grave from the Battle of Lützen (1632). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178252. [PMID: 28542491 PMCID: PMC5439951 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Contemporary accounts of battles are often incomplete or even erroneous because they reflect the—often biased—viewpoints of the authors. Battlefield archaeology faces the task of compiling an historical analysis of a battle and of gathering all the available facts. Besides cultural historical evidence and artefacts, the human remains of those who have fallen in battle also provide invaluable information. In studying mass graves from a military context, the injury types and patterns are significant. They allow us to reconstruct the circumstances surrounding the soldiers’ deaths and provide information on the hostilities that occurred on the battlefield. One such mass grave was discovered in 2011 at Lützen, Saxony-Anhalt (Germany). Based on its geographical location and on the results obtained from archaeological examinations carried out in the area, the grave could be dated to the Thirty Years War (1618–1648). Further archaeological research confirmed that the dead had been soldiers from the Battle of Lützen (1632). The mass grave was block-lifted and then comprehensively examined at the State Museum of Prehistory in Halle (Saale). As well as osteological examinations to determine age, sex, height, state of health, i.e. diseases or injuries, imaging methods were also employed and histological and isotopic analyses carried out. The focus of this study was on the injuries sustained by the soldiers both prior to and during the battle. The results revealed that the 47 deceased had been between the ages of 15 and 50 when they died. Numerous healed injuries showed that the men had often been involved in violent encounters. Approximately three in every four soldiers had injuries that could have been fatal. Wounds inflicted by handguns, particularly to the skull, were predominant. The integrative analysis of the archaeological and anthropological data allowed us to conclude that the majority had been killed during a cavalry attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Nicklisch
- State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt – State Museum of Prehistory, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Danube Private University, Krems-Stein, Austria
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Frank Ramsthaler
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg (Saar), Germany
| | - Harald Meller
- State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt – State Museum of Prehistory, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Susanne Friederich
- State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt – State Museum of Prehistory, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kurt W. Alt
- State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt – State Museum of Prehistory, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Danube Private University, Krems-Stein, Austria
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