Applying forensic anthropological data in homicide investigation to the depravity standard

Authors

Karl Reinhard, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Michael Welner, The Forensic Panel
Matthias I. Okoye, Nebraska Institute of Forensic SciencesFollow
Melissa Marotta, The Forensic Panel
Gary Plank, Nebraska Wesleyan University
Brianna Anderson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Theresa Mastellon, The Forensic Panel

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

1-2013

Citation

Published in Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine 20:1 (January 2013), pp. 27–39; doi: 10.1016/j.jflm.2012.04.018

Comments

Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. Used by permission.

Abstract

Forensic anthropology can provide detailed information regarding the perpetrator’s treatment of a homicide victim. This data may inform The Depravity Standard (DS), a forensic science inventory used to assess the severity of a homicide’s intent, actions, victimology, and attitudes. Skeletal data enabled the reconstruction of a homicide case involving mutilation and possible torture. Using The Depravity Standard (DS) the skeletal data underwent evaluation in order to provide evidence of depravity. The osteological data alone offered sufficient evidence for a number of criteria of depravity, demonstrating the importance and application of osteology in resolving specific questions about the depravity of a homicide.