A multidisciplinary approach to locating clandestine gravesites in cold cases: Combining geographic profiling, LiDAR, and near surface geophysics

Berezowski, Victoria; Moffat, Ian; Shendryk, Yuri; MacGregor, Douglas; Ellis, Justin R.; Mallett, Xanthé

doi:10.1016/j.fsisyn.2022.100281

Cited by 8 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 88 publications

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“…The localised neighbourhoods around these areas are relatively well-known, but the various routes between them typically follow well-trodden, repeated pathways. More recently, this approach to geographical profiling has been used to re-investigate cold cases [ 23 ]. Berezowski et al [ 23 ] developed convex hulls – irregular polygons to map the overall activity space of a person and then begin considering whether the person should be elevated as a suspect.…”

Section: Winthroppingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…More recently, this approach to geographical profiling has been used to re-investigate cold cases [ 23 ]. Berezowski et al [ 23 ] developed convex hulls – irregular polygons to map the overall activity space of a person and then begin considering whether the person should be elevated as a suspect. Somma [ 17 ] recently described the space and time of criminal behaviour of four famous serial killers, on the basis of criminal and geographical profiling.…”

Section: Winthroppingmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Finding the here in where: Keatley’s Winthropping in missing persons and no-body homicide cases

Keatley

2024

Forensic Science International: Synergy

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Section: Winthroppingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Winthroppingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Finding the here in where: Keatley’s Winthropping in missing persons and no-body homicide cases

Keatley

2024

Forensic Science International: Synergy

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“…Not only does locating these graves facilitate the judicial process [2, 3], but it can also provide the family of the missing person with answers about their loved one's death [4, 5]. The most commonly used methods to locate clandestine graves are foot searches [6] and cadaver dogs [7, 8], however, depending on equipment and expertise availability, techniques such as geographic profiling [9–14], and various remote sensing methods, such as satellite [15], infrared [16], thermal [17], and aerial imaging [18] (including with a drone and other unmanned aerial vehicles [19–22]), light detection and ranging (LiDAR) [12, 23, 24], and near‐surface geophysical techniques [25–28] can also be used. See Ruffell and McKinley [29, 30] and Donnelly and Harrison [31] for a more detailed look into grave location techniques.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The suitability of using domestic pigs (Sus spp.) as human proxies in the geophysical detection of clandestine graves

Berezowski,

Moffat,

Seckiner

et al. 2023

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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Research in many forensic science fields commonly uses domestic pigs (Sus spp.) as proxies for human remains, due to their physiological and anatomical similarities, as well as being more readily available. Unfortunately, previous research, especially that which compares the decompositional process, has shown that pigs are not appropriate proxies for humans. To date, there has not been any published research that specifically addresses whether domestic pigs are adequate human proxies for the geophysical detection of clandestine graves. As such, the aim of this paper was to compare the geophysical responses of pig cadavers and human donor graves, in order to determine if pigs can indeed be used as adequate human proxies. To accomplish this, ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) responses on single and multiple pig cadaver graves were compared to single and multiple human donor graves, all of which are in known locations within the same geological environment. The results showed that under field conditions, both GPR and ERT were successful at observing human and pig burials, with no obvious differences between the detected geophysical responses. The results also showed that there were no differences in the geophysical responses of those who were clothed and unclothed. The similarity of the responses may reflect that the geophysical techniques can detect graves despite what their contents are. The study implications suggest that experimental studies in other soil and climate conditions can be easily replicated, benefiting law enforcement with missing persons cases.

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“…Efforts made to ensure the burial sites remain undetected make it extremely challenging for authorities to uncover them. The discovery and excavation of clandestine graves play a vital role in criminal investigations, providing evidence, closure, and justice to victims and their families [ 1 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Utilizing Drone-Based Ground-Penetrating Radar for Crime Investigations in Localizing and Identifying Clandestine Graves

Lijcklama à Nijeholt,

Kronshorst,

Teeffelen

et al. 2023

Sensors

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The decomposition of a body is influenced by burial conditions, making it crucial to understand the impact of different conditions for accurate grave detection. Geophysical techniques using drones have gained popularity in locating clandestine graves, offering non-invasive methods for detecting surface and subsurface irregularities. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is an effective technology for identifying potential grave locations without disturbance. This research aimed to prototype a drone system integrating GPR to assist in grave localization and to develop software for data management. Initial experiments compared GPR with other technologies, demonstrating its valuable applicability. It is suitable for various decomposition stages and soil types, although certain soil compositions have limitations. The research used the DJI M600 Pro drone and a drone-based GPR system enhanced by the real-time kinematic (RTK) global positioning system (GPS) for precision and autonomy. Tests with simulated graves and cadavers validated the system’s performance, evaluating optimal altitude, speed, and obstacle avoidance techniques. Furthermore, global and local planning algorithms ensured efficient and obstacle-free flight paths. The results highlighted the potential of the drone-based GPR system in locating clandestine graves while minimizing disturbance, contributing to the development of effective tools for forensic investigations and crime scene analysis.

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A multidisciplinary approach to locating clandestine gravesites in cold cases: Combining geographic profiling, LiDAR, and near surface geophysics

Cited by 8 publications

References 88 publications

Finding the here in where: Keatley’s Winthropping in missing persons and no-body homicide cases

Finding the here in where: Keatley’s Winthropping in missing persons and no-body homicide cases

The suitability of using domestic pigs (Sus spp.) as human proxies in the geophysical detection of clandestine graves

Utilizing Drone-Based Ground-Penetrating Radar for Crime Investigations in Localizing and Identifying Clandestine Graves

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