Discovering a double murder through skeletal remains: A case report

Med Sci Law. 2019 Jan;59(1):9-16. doi: 10.1177/0025802418812648. Epub 2018 Nov 12.

Abstract

Forensic examination of human remains is a complex process that relies on the contribution of multidisciplinary forensic medicine specialties. Here we present a complex forensic case regarding a double murder whose victims were found almost completely skeletonized. Post-mortem investigations allowed us to define the biological profile of the two bodies (ancestry, sex, age and stature), to discover their identity through forensic DNA analysis, and to detect peri-mortem injuries caused by firearms and stabbing weapons. Three men were recognized as involved in the crime and two of them were condemned to life imprisonment for homicide. The judges accepted the reconstruction of the crime promoted by the Prosecutor (double firearm murder).

Keywords: Skeletal remains; cause of death; murder; personal identification.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Determination by Teeth
  • Body Height
  • Body Remains*
  • Bone and Bones / pathology
  • Crime Victims
  • DNA Fingerprinting
  • Forensic Anthropology / methods*
  • Homicide*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postmortem Changes
  • Sex Determination by Skeleton
  • Wounds, Gunshot / pathology
  • Wounds, Stab / pathology