Discovering a double murder through skeletal remains: A case report

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).

British Academy of Forensic Sciences: President’s message

“…I would also recommend to you Manzoni et al. and their explanation of the reconstruction of a murder from skeletal remains 2 and a subject very close to my own heart, Shorter et al. “Let them have it”, 3 a shocking description of the procedures regarding exhibit retention by police forces in the UK, or rather, the lack thereof.…”