ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 4

Digital Video Image Capture in Establishing Positive Identification
Bennett, JL
The University of Tennessee, TN

Marks, MK
The University of Tennessee, TN

Lee Wilson, O
The University of Tennessee Medical Center, TN

(Received 1 August 1996; accepted 12 September 1996)

Abstract

Positive identification of skeletonized, decomposed, or disfigured victims lacking clinical records is a difficult endeavor. However, videotapes of family and social activities can be analyzed using the frame isolating technique of video image capture by inexpensive means. A rare skeletal Class III malocclusion and dental peculiarities in a decomposing 3-year old lacking a clinical history were compared to videotapes taken of a suspected victim shortly prior to her disappearance. Overlaying transparent dental tracings from digitized skeletal remains onto selected frames of the videotape (and reversing this process) produced the identification and hastened the entire investigation.

Keywords:
forensic science, digital image capture, positive identification, forensic odontology, videocamera

Paper ID: JFS14153J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14153J
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