Means for identifying unknown cadavers. A report of experiences from forensic practice

98 cases of unidentified corpses found in the region of Frankfurt/M. during the period 1981-1986 were investigated. The different methods used in the investigation processes were compared. The most important results: 1. The condition of the body had very little influence on the time required for ide...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inArchiv fur Kriminologie Vol. 188; no. 5-6; p. 146
Main Authors Lutz, F U, Reuhl, J, Dubberstein, W
Format Journal Article
LanguageGerman
Published Germany 01.11.1991
Subjects
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Autopsy - methods
Female
Forensic Medicine - methods
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Postmortem Changes
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Summary:98 cases of unidentified corpses found in the region of Frankfurt/M. during the period 1981-1986 were investigated. The different methods used in the investigation processes were compared. The most important results: 1. The condition of the body had very little influence on the time required for identification. 2. The estimated ages tended for ages up to 50 years to be too low and for ages of 50 years and over too high. 3. Visual recognition of the deceased and comparison of finger prints proved to be the most successful methods and provided the best results. 4. In more than half of the cases distinguishing bodily features, clothing and jewelry were helpful in the identification procedure; in 9% of the cases they alone formed the basis of identification. 5. Abductions were carried out in only 30% of the cases, 43% of which led to conclusive results.
ISSN:0003-9225