A facial reconstruction and identification technique for seriously devastating head wounds

Reversed configuration of the muzzle imprint mark in a pistol contact entrance wound mimicking a non-suicidal act

The muzzle imprint mark characteristically associated with contact or near contact entrance gunshot wounds exemplifies one of the most informative external findings in forensic medical practice. The presence of the muzzle imprint mark on the body's surface proves ballistic trauma, point of entry, and range of fire. Moreover, its appearance and configuration may indicate the type of the involved weapon and the way the firearm had been positioned and held at the time of discharge. In this paper, we present the contact shot wound pattern of an 83-year-old man who committed suicide with a Frommer Stop 12 M autoloading pistol of caliber 7.65 mm Browning. Initially, the muzzle imprint mark configuration in relation to the entrance gunshot defect in the victim's right temple indicated an unusual application or orientation of the pistol's barrel during discharge, thus, strongly suggesting a non-suicidal act. However, a critical confrontation of postmortem findings along with the results of ballistic expertise provided a clear explanation, which comprised the remarkable construction and unique muzzle design of the used handgun.

Application of the "bubbling" procedure to dead body portraits in forensic identification

Purpose

A procedure is needed for bodies with disfiguring injuries to the face and the use of their portrait for visual identification.

Method

We present the application of a simple image processing procedure, otherwise known as ”bubbling,” which is based on the concept of ”perceptual filling-in,” to images for visual identification in the forensic context. The method is straight forward and can be performed using readily available software and hardware..

Results

The method is demonstrated and examples are shown. The visual recognition of known persons using “bubbled” images was successfully tested.

Conclusion

The “bubbling” procedure for visual identification enhancement is quick and straightforward and may be attempted before escalating to more involved identification methods and procedures.

Applying 3D prints to reconstructing postmortem craniofacial features damaged by devastating head injuries

Postmortem facial identification is one of the most common techniques for establishing a deceased person's identity. In victims suffering from devastating cranial injuries, the feasibility of facial identification tasks can be compromised by damage to or disfigurement of the identifying cranial features. Although there are several reconstructive approaches, which help experts to restore the essence of person's physical appearance, thus enhancing the chances of recognition, only a few of them involve restoring the fractured cranial bones as the foundation for the reconstructed soft tissues. Here, we propose a technique based on replacement of heavily damaged hard tissues with generic prosthetics manufactured by 3D printing. Our approach does not require medical imaging technologies or other costly lab equipment. It is simple, affordable and relatively labor-efficient. The deceased's reconstructed craniofacial features can be subsequently assessed, photographed, drawn or otherwise reproduced in order to help determine his or her identity. In addition, the imagery can be displayed, published or broadcasted in media without concerns of being overly graphic.