Badly Decomposed Bodies Are Typically Not Visually Identifiable

[hermantheshocker]

Badly decomposed bodies like the one shown here are typically not visually identifiable. I have no further info about this case, but here's some knowledge about identification of human remains.



An important duty of coroners, medical examiners, and forensic pathologists involves the identification (ID) of deceased individuals. While this process does not usually present many difficulties, the consequences of misidentification can be significant and long lasting. In many cases investigated by medicolegal death teams, initial inquiries will produce a preliminary or tentative identification. For example, important circumstantial evidence, such as a driver’s license found in the decedent’s possession, may point toward the identity of the deceased. However, a definitive positive identification is required.



This can be established by a variety of means with the most common method being visual identification by family members. Although this is most often utilized, it must be recognized that it is not a scientific method, and major mistakes have been known to occur. In addition, in a number of cases visual identification is not possible. This most often occurs when there has been facial disfigurement from trauma, fires, or putrefaction.



The most reliable methods of identification involve a more scientific approach where a unique feature of the unidentified decedent can be compared to a likely match. This requires that the features of both are compatible, with no significant features that do not match. Examples of scientific methods of identification include fingerprint comparison, dental comparison and x-ray comparisons, and DNA typing. For each of these methods (except for DNA typing) an antemortem (prior to death) record must exist and be available for a successful comparison to be made.

In a minority of cases a positive identification will not be able to be made. This situation is more common in large metropolitan areas among transient or homeless individuals when no one comes forward to identify the decedent despite the body being visually recognizable. This problem is compounded if bodies are badly decomposed or skeletonized, a situation that occurs in rural areas. When the body is not able to be identified, forensic pathologists will perform the full range of investigations so that if a possible identity is subsequently suggested then all of the necessary information and material for comparison will be available.

On occasion, a forensic artist may attempt a clay facial reconstruction over an unidentified skull, or a computer image of the face may be created, with publishing of such images to the public to find anyone who may recognize the person.

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This post is for educational purposes only and is nonprofit. Under Section 107 of the US Copyright Act of 1976; Allowance is made for "Fair Use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. OP is not a medical expert. No copyright infringement intended. This post does not encourage or glorify violence/harassment. Images might have been upscaled and enhanced. Text might have been shortened and simplified/reorganized for online view.

[Vixənn]

does there ever come a point where a medical examiner can just say,
"they are very dead." & have that pass as an acceptable cause of death?

because ew.

[ride]

Couldn't do that job. Fuck, I can't even make out the gender on this example. Im guessing...........female?

[Vixənn]

Originally Posted by ride

Couldn't do that job. Fuck, I can't even make out the gender on this example. Im guessing...........female?

it's impolite to assume.
tsk tsk.

[REVZZYBAN]

Herman, Those are pictures of MY girlfriend, ok.

[Hrvatska32]

Your posts always amaze me and tickle my inner forensic pathologist. I read each and every post word for word. This is the first time I have ever commented on one if your posts. They are awesome and I love them. Thank you so very much for keeping me entertained and fascinated.

[hermantheshocker]

Originally Posted by Hrvatska32

Your posts always amaze me and tickle my inner forensic pathologist. I read each and every post word for word. This is the first time I have ever commented on one if your posts. They are awesome and I love them. Thank you so very much for keeping me entertained and fascinated.

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoy them :)

[ViraA]

Originally Posted by Vixənn

does there ever come a point where a medical examiner can just say,
"they are very dead." & have that pass as an acceptable cause of death?

because ew.

Really ? you do realise that death is an absolute...

There are no gradations...

You are either alive or dead

[Vixənn]

Originally Posted by ViraA

Really ? you do realise that death is an absolute...

There are no gradations...

You are either alive or dead

you are absolutely right.
however, medical examiners are the people who determine cause & manner of death through autopsies.

I wouldn't wanna have to go digging around in that dead person to find out exactly why they are a dead person, would you?

[Mongolian60]

Originally Posted by Vixənn

does there ever come a point where a medical examiner can just say,
"they are very dead." & have that pass as an acceptable cause of death?

because ew.

Unfortunately no the deceased has to be ID at all cost. We use fingerprints if they can. Most are dental, some are implants or even a stent. Or piece of metal to repair bone fracture. Even tattoos are great cause skin is so resilient. The worst are the buttholes who jump from overpasses to roadway I mean come on. You know some poor mfer who just ate lunch has to scoop your ass up off roadway. Dudes some can be spread out for a quarter mile or more. It sucks.