Journal Published Online: 01 January 1990
Volume 35, Issue 1

The Identification of Maternity in an Unusual Pregnancy-Related Homicide

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

A recent bizarre homicide which culminated in the delivery of a live-born infant necessitated careful determination of true maternal origin. A 23-year-old pregnant woman was abducted, subdued, strangled, and delivered of a term infant by a crude Cesarean section. The infant was stolen and subsequently presented to physicians by a woman posing as the mother. Methods used to help confirm the surviving infant's parentage involved red cell antigen and enzyme system evaluations as well as immunoglobulin allotyping, which ultimately proved to be the most effective serologic test performed. The forensic science investigation of this unusual case also used bite mark analysis and patterned injury interpretation. Immunoglobulin allotyping is specifically discussed as a forensic serology test which is currently available and particularly applicable in cases involving parentage determination.

Author Information

Clark, EGI
University of Nevada School of Medicine and Sierra Pathology Associates, Inc., Reno, NV
Zumwalt, RE
University of New Mexico, School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM
Schanfield, MS
Analytical Genetic Testing Center, Inc., Denver, CO
Pages: 9
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS12803J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12803J