Volume 13 Issue 10
Comprehensive Analytical Examination of the Role of Forensic Anthropology in Solving Cold Cases and Missing Persons Investigations: Advanced Applications in Human Identification and Legal Medicine
¹Dr. Adeel Rahman, ²Dr. Sana Qureshi, ³Dr. Bilal Ahmed, ⁴Dr. Farah Javed, ⁵Dr. Taimoor Iqbal, ⁶Dr. Nadir Ali
¹Assistant Professor, University of Health Sciences, Lahore (UHS Lahore)
²Consultant Gynecologist, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad (PIMS Islamabad)
³Senior Registrar, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi (AKUH Karachi)
⁴Consultant Pediatrician, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi (JPMC Karachi)
⁵Consultant Cardiologist, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad
⁶M.B.B.S., M.Phil, Forensic Medicine (UK)
Assistant Professor / HOD, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
Sargodha Medical College, Sargodha college
ABSTRACT
Background: Forensic anthropology, a specialized field within forensic science, focuses on the identification and analysis of human remains. It plays a crucial role in solving cold cases and missing persons investigations by providing insights that are often not apparent through other forensic methods. This study explores the impact and effectiveness of forensic anthropology in these complex investigations.
Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the missing persons in court cases and skeletal remains assessing both the identification processes and the subsequent legal outcomes.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 90 cases investigated between January 2016 and December 2023, where forensic anthropology was utilized. Data was collected from forensic reports, case files, and interviews with forensic anthropologists involved in these cases. The study examined the types of anthropological techniques used, the accuracy of identifications, and the influence of these identifications on the case resolutions.
Results: Out of the 90 cases analyzed, forensic anthropology significantly contributed to solving 67 cases (74.4%), providing critical information that led to the identification of previously unknown remains. In 45 cases (50%), the anthropological analysis directly influenced legal proceedings, leading to convictions or case closures. The most effective techniques included skeletal analysis, dental record comparison, and the use of facial reconstruction.
Conclusion: Forensic anthropology is a vital tool in the resolution of cold cases and missing persons investigations. The study demonstrates that its application not only aids in the identification of human remains but also significantly impacts the legal outcomes of these cases. Continued advancements and integration of forensic anthropology in law enforcement protocols are recommended to enhance investigative success.
Keywords: Forensic Anthropology, Cold Cases, Missing Persons, Human Remains Identification, Skeletal Analysis, Legal Outcomes, Facial Reconstruction.
