ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 20

The Exhumation and Identification of Lee Harvey Oswald
Sopher, IM
Chief medical examiner, State of West Virginia, WV

Cottone, JA
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School, TX

Norton, LE
Medicolegal consultant, TX

DiMaio, VJM
Bexar county chief medical examiner, TX

Abstract

The investigations surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the subsequent killing of Lee Harvey Oswald resulted in many theories concerning what really happened in November 1963. One theory postulated the substitution of a Russian agent for Oswald; another that his grave was actually empty. This report documents the historical background, legal proceedings, preparations and actual exhumation, examination, and identification of the remains of Lee Harvey Oswald. The pertinent findings of a cracked vault, deteriorated casket, decomposed remains, two rings, a mastoidectomy defect, and the details of the positive dental identification are presented. Additional items covered include team formation, security measures, site selection, financial considerations, the news media, and selection of authorized witnesses.

Keywords:
pathology and biology, odontology, Lee Harvey Oswald, human identification, dentition

Paper ID: JFS11631J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11631J
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