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

• Published in: Archiv fur Kriminologie Vol. 188; no. 5-6; p. 146
• Main Authors: Lutz, F U, Reuhl, J, Dubberstein, W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German
• Published: Germany 01.11.1991
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Autopsy - methods; Female; Forensic Medicine - methods; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postmortem Changes
• ISSN: 0003-9225

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.