Forensic Facial Reconstruction and Its Contribution to Identification in Missing Person Cases

Abstract

Forensic facial reconstruction is a means for producing a facial surface from the skull. There are several technical approaches that can be applied, which include computerised and plastic sculptural methods. Whether the reconstruction is attempted in virtual or actual reality, the facial surface is projected by one of two principal means: by reconstruction of the craniofacial anatomy or by mathematical extrapolation of the face surface from that of the skull. More recently, it has been possible via a combination of the two. In this chapter, the history of facial reconstruction from the skull will be briefly introduced and the principal methods described. Both plastic and computational approaches will be summarised. The utility of forensic facial reconstruction will be discussed with reference to the investigation of cases of missing persons, and to current controversies in research and practice, relating to the precision and efficacy of the technique.Keywords: Facial reconstruction, facial approximation, forensic science, identification, missing persons, forensic anthropology Evison, M.P., Iwamura, E. S. M. and Guimarães, M.A.G. (2016). Forensic facial reconstruction and its contribution to identification in missing person cases. In Morewitz, S.J. and Sturdy Colls, C. (eds.), Handbook of Missing Persons, New York: Springer, p. 427-41. ISBN 978-3-319-10197-3 (print), 978-3-319-40199-7 (online) doi:10.1007/978-3-319-40199-7_28 INTRODUCTIONThe earliest attempts to reconstitute the face from the skull so far recognised appear to arise from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) culture of circa 11,000 -8,000 BP (Settegast 1990) centred on Jericho and adjacent regions of Jordan and the West Bank (Figure 1). Archaeologists interpret these objects as having played a role in funerary, ancestor-worship, or similar such rites. These reconstructions were completed by modelling a facial surface in plaster. The eyes and eyelids were often replaced with cowry shells, and the skin complexion and facial features-including moustaches-were painted onto the plaster surface. The reconstructions are described as 'typized and conventional' and are not believed to represent reconstructions of ante-mortem appearance, beyond 'some features determined by the bony framework' (Strouhal 1973, p. 231). Nine millennia were to pass before the first scientific attempts to reconstruct ante-mortem appearance were to arise.As empirical science grew in significance during the 18th and 19th centuries, efforts were made to collect measurements that could be applied to the hard-tissue surface of the skull in order to project the location of the soft-tissue surface. These tissue-depth measurements were collected from cadavers at specific locations on the face surface; referred to as landmarks. These measurements were then applied to roughly corresponding landmarks on the skull which is the subject of a facial reconstruction (Kollman and Buchly 1898). Early attempts at facial reconstruction were applied to sculputural portraits of Johann Sebast...

An interdisciplinary forensic approach for human remains identification and missing persons investigations

“…CFR involves the estimation of a UHR's facial appearance in life from the underlying bony structure of the skull using knowledge of facial anatomy, relationship between hard and soft tissues, and ancestry and sex indicators (Evison et al, 2016; Wilkinson, 2014). The approaches for CFR are either anatomical (i.e., Russian method), which uses musculature to define the face shape, or anthropometrical (i.e., American method), focusing on the average tissue depth of the face, or a combination (i.e., Manchester method) (Bonda, 2018; Gupta et al, 2015).…”

“…However, the value of this approach has been questioned and the application of average skin thickness can be used instead to accommodate multiple ancestries, as well as individuals with mixed parentage (Stephan & Simpson, 2008). Some limitations of CFR include the subjective nature of assessing resemblance, particularly assessment of ancestry and the shape of some facial features such as ears, mouth, and nose (Evison et al, 2016). The complementary use of new forensic genomics techniques could enhance CFR methods by considering the biomolecular‐based estimations of age, sex, biogeographical ancestry (BGA), and externally visible characteristics (EVCs) when adding relevant surface details.…”

Current trends in the methods of identification in forensic dentistry: a review of literature

“…54 Whether the reconstruction is attempted virtually or in reality, the facial surface is projected by either reconstruction of the craniofacial anatomy or by mathematical extrapolation of the skeletal surface of the skull or through a combination of both techniques. 55 Although the technique of digital superimposition of post-mortem skull photographs over ante-mortem facial photographs has been tried, this technique is liable for uncertainty and is therefore best used in conjunction with other methods of identification. 56 Due to the similar facial features possessed by several individuals, facial reconstruction cannot be regarded as the only method of positive identification, and it would at best be used for exclusion rather than identification.…”

A New Model to Simulate Human Facial Appearance, Accurately, and Realistically, across Age and Ethnicity

“…7 For decades, there has been significant interest in methods to predict and generate future facial appearance, for needs including entertainment and film making, the synthesis of a reliable current visible likeness for missing-person investigations, and other various forensic, law-enforcement, and national-security applications. 8,9 Whereas these efforts have centered mostly around analog From the Procter & Gamble Company; and Canfield Scientific, Inc.…”

“…For decades, there has been significant interest in methods to predict and generate future facial appearance, for needs including entertainment and film making, the synthesis of a reliable current visible likeness for missing-person investigations, and other various forensic, law-enforcement, and national-security applications. 8,9 Whereas these efforts have centered mostly around analog approaches, the more recent aesthetic revolution described above has driven significant activity using digital techniques in other academic and industry sectors, including reconstructive/plastic surgery (eg, for the generation of age-appropriate target parameters) and the cosmetics industry (eg, for the generation of visualizations driving awareness of aging issues/product trial and compliance).…”