ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 September 2002
Page Count: 3

Skeletal Remains Presumed Submerged in Water for Three Years Identified Using PCR-STR Analysis
Paraire, F
Service de Médecine Légale et Anatomie Pathologique, Hôpital R. Poincaré,

Crainic, K

Durigon, M

Leterreux, M
Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Hôpital R. Poincaré,

de Mazancourt, P

(Received 8 April 2002; accepted 23 March 2002)

Abstract

We describe the successful identification of the remains of a saponified body found in a dam by typing of nuclear DNA. Whereas DNA extracted from soft tissues yielded negative PCR results, DNA extracted from the bone by a slightly modified Qiagen procedure allowed the typing of sex (AMG locus) and of 10 additional STR loci. An identity document was found belonging to a man missing for 3 years and comparison of the results to the DNA profiles of his son and wife confirmed the identity. The longest delay reported until now for successful nuclear DNA geno-typing after immersion in river water was 18 months. This case demonstrates a delay of up to 3 years.

Keywords:
forensic science, identification, drowning, bone genotyping, DNA extraction, STR

Paper ID: JFS15490J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15490J
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