SUPPLEMENTAL FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY REPORT Case # UI-24-06 / 56-09-Adam83 University of Indianapolis Archeology & Forensics Laboratory AUTHORS: • Stephen Nawrocki PhD, Elena Madaj BA, AnnaMaria Crescimanno BA, Amandine Eriksen BS, & Christine Halling BS SITE: • Larry Eyler Burial Site, Newton County IN ITEMS RECEIVED: • from Newton County Coroner Scott McCord, on 3-3-09: - the majority of 1 human postcranial skeleton (see below for a full inventory) • The cranium, mandible, and 32 teeth were received on 7-10-06 from Elaine Hruz of the Jasper County Coroner’s Office. We issued a report for these elements on 2-12-09. The remainder of the individual was then brought to us by Coroner McCord along with another decedent from the same burial site. A report on this second individual (UI-05-09 / 56-09-Brad83) was issued on 3-31-10. • Except where noted, the following analysis applies only to the postcranial elements received on 3-3-09. At appropriate points we assess whether the skull and postcranial elements may belong to the same individual. INITIAL OBSERVATIONS SOFT TISSUES: • Upon receipt, a few bones of the feet still had dried soft tissues adhering. Periosteum and traces of cartilage were noted on some of the long bones. • Fats and proteins are still trapped within the bones in moderate quantities, particularly in the ends of the long bones. • A slight odor of decomposition was noted prior to cleaning. • No hair, fingernails, or toenails are present. • No clothing or personal effects are present. INSECTS: • No necrophagous insects were noted. LABORATORY PROCESSING (POSTCRANIAL ELEMENTS) ANALYSIS: • All laboratory work was conducted at the University of Indianapolis Archeology & Forensics Laboratory, consisting of non-invasive examination and low-powered microscopy. CLEANING: • Bones of the feet were simmered in a solution of borax and water for 4 to 6 hours to remove the soft tissues. • Bones with adhering soil were cleaned with tap water and a soft brush. • All bones were allowed to air dry for 72 hours before final measurements were taken. • Once dry, an accession number “06.24” was written on each bone in black ink, to facilitate tracking in the lab. • Upon completion of the analysis, the bones were repackaged in paper sacks and plastic ziplock bags. • Laboratory processing was coordinated by Elena Madaj BA. INVENTORY OF REMAINS: • All bones present at death were available in at least fragmentary form EXCEPT: - hyoid - 6 auditory ossicles - 2nd through 5th cervical vertebrae - manubrium of sternum (list is continued) UI-24-06 Supplemental Anthropology Report -- Page 1 of 8 - right 11th & 12th ribs - left 12th rib - coccyx - right clavicle - unfused medial epicondylar epiphysis of left humerus - unfused distal epiphyses of left & right ulnae - unfused distal epiphysis of right radius - 37 bones of the wrists & hands - unfused ischial epiphyses of the left & right coxae - unfused proximal epiphysis of the left fibula - 2 small bones of the feet • In sum, ~76% of the skeleton is present (162 of 212 expected elements, not including missing epiphyses). NUMBER OF • Only 1 individual is represented among the postcranial elements, with no commingling INDIVIDUALS: (no elements are duplicated and all are approximately similar in developmental age and robusticity). • The 1st cervical vertebra that came with the postcranial elements appears to fit the condyles of the cranium reasonably well, suggesting that the cranium previously analyzed does belong with this postcranial skeleton. However, only DNA analysis will be able to verify this association. • Additional bones found with UI-06-09 / 56-09-Charlene88, including portions of at least 2 hands, do not match either UI-24-06, UI-05-09, or UI-06-09 but appear to have come from the same recovery site as UI-24-06 and UI-05-09. A separate report will be prepared for these bones. BIOLOGICAL PROFILE (POSTCRANIAL ELEMENTS) (a summary of the decedent’s characteristics) SEX: • male (based on discrete traits of the pelvis; computerized discriminant analysis of postcranial measurements using FORDISC 3.1 is not advisable because of the presence of unfused epiphyses) ANCESTRY: • Afroamerican? (based on the lack of anterior curvature of the femoral shaft; computerized discriminant analysis of postcranial measurements using FORDISC 3.1 is not advisable because of the presence of unfused epiphyses) AGE AT DEATH: • 15 to 18 years (based on unfused or fusing epiphyses throughout the skeleton, lack of pubic symphyseal or auricular surface degeneration, lack of cranial suture closure, & youthful rib end morphology) STATURE: • best estimate = 5’11” (range = 5’8” to 6’2”) (estimated from the maximum femur length using an equation developed for modern Afroamerican males in FORDISC 3.1) BUILD: • normal muscularity for older subadult males (weight cannot be estimated from the skeleton) PATHOLOGY: • No pathological conditions or healed fractures were noted. ADDITIONAL IDENTIFIERS: • No unusual skeletal variants were noted. • Nuclear DNA comparison to a known reference sample from the decedent, or to a very close relative like a parent, may be able to identify the decedent directly. • Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) comparison to a maternal relative may be able to place him within a particular familial lineage but will not provide an exclusive identification. UI-24-06 Supplemental Anthropology Report -- Page 2 of 8 TRAUMA ANALYSIS A number of instances of perimortem sharp force trauma are present across the skeleton. The sharp force trauma can be classified as incised wounds and knife stab wounds. The term “incised wound” refers to a slicing cut caused by drawing a knife or other bladed implement across a surface. The wound is longer than it is wide and its channel is V-shaped in cross-section. Most of the incised wounds on this skeleton are fairly shallow and superficial. Knife stab wounds are caused by plunging the tip of the blade into a surface. Most of these wounds failed to pass all of the way through the bones that were impacted (e.g., the stab wounds are “penetrating” rather than “perforating”). While the sharp force wounds on this skeleton are consistent with a knife, we cannot determine the implement’s size or specific characteristics. The stab wounds generally display a triangular shape consistent with a knife whose tip had a back or spine that was thicker than its edge (e.g., a single-edged blade rather than a double-edged blade) (Figures 1 & 2). We cannot rule out the possibility that more than one implement was used, although there is no positive evidence to suggest two weapons. Many of the sharp force wounds display characteristics that indicate they were created at or very near the time of death. For example, the margins of the wounds are dark-stained by blood and/or decomposition fluids. Furthermore, some wounds display “flaring” or “fraying” of the bone margins around the wound, caused as the blade twisted or was pulled out of the channel; this flaring is more common on bone that is fresh and viable rather than on bone that has dried out during the postmortem interval. The wounds are summarized below by location on the body. • Skull: - a stab wound that was missed during our first examination was identified during this most recent analysis. It is located on the outer surface of the left zygomatic (cheek) bone, immediately lateral to the left orbit in the center of the root of the frontal process (Figure 3). It is ~4 mm long and the margins are dark-stained. • Cervical Vertebrae: - no wounds were noted for any cervical vertebrae, although C2 through C5 are missing. • Thoracic Vertebrae: - 1 stab wound on the 1st thoracic, on the ventral surface of the centrum in its upper left quadrant, ~4.5 mm wide & entering from above. Judging from the angle of the wound, the weapon entered the superior thoracic aperture through the base of the neck; - 1 possible incised wound on the 6th thoracic, on the ventral surface of the centrum, ~8 mm long; - 1 possible incised wound on the 7th thoracic, on the ventral surface of the centrum along its inferior edge; - 5 stab wounds on the 8th thoracic, on the ventral & left lateral surfaces of the centrum, all oriented vertically. The largest is ~15 mm long. In addition, a small, 6th stab wound is present at the base of the left transverse process; - 6 stab wounds on the 9th thoracic, on the ventral & left lateral surfaces of the centrum, all oriented vertically. The largest is ~14 mm long. Also, 7th & 8th stab wounds are present at the base of the left superior articular process, and 1 possible incised wound is present on the inferior edge of the centrum; - some of the wounds on the 8th & 9th thoracic bodies line up and may have been caused by the same thrust; - 7 stab and/or incised wounds on the 10th thoracic, on the left & right lateral surfaces of the centrum, running upward & outward; - 1 incised wound on the 11th thoracic, on the left lateral side of the centrum, ~9 mm long. This wound lines up with the incised wound on the head of the left 11th rib (see below) and both may have been made by the same thrust; UI-24-06 Supplemental Anthropology Report -- Page 3 of 8 - 7 stab wounds on the 12th thoracic, on the ventral surface of the centrum, all oriented transversely with the wide end of the wound (from the back of the blade) to the right and the point to the left. The largest is ~6 mm long (Figure 1). • Lumbar Vertebrae: - 8 stab or incised wounds on the 1st lumbar, on the ventral surface of the centrum, all oriented transversely and with the wide end of the wound to the right and the point to the left. The largest is ~25 mm long; - 5 stab wounds on the 3rd lumbar, on the ventral surface of the centrum, oriented either transversely or obliquely. For at least 2 of these wounds the knife was held differently than for the 12th thoracic and 1st lumbar wounds, with the wide end of the wound to the left and the point to the right. • Left Ribs: - 2 incised wounds on the 3rd rib, near the sternal end; - 2 incised wounds on the 4th rib, near the sternal end; - 1 incised wound on the 7th rib, ~53 mm in from the sternal end; - 2 stab wounds on the 8th rib, on the pleural (inner) surface of the neck, ~5 mm & ~30 mm in from the head end (the latter is illustrated in Figure 2). These wounds may line up with 1 or more of the incised wounds on ribs 3 and 4; - 3 stab wounds on the 9th rib, on the pleural surface of the head near the vertebral column, ~3 mm to ~13 mm in from the head end, oriented vertically. Also, there is a small incised wound on the superior edge of the rib ~39 mm in from the head end; - 2 incised wounds on the 10th rib, on the superior edge ~17 mm & ~65 mm in from the sternal end. Also, 1 possible stab wound is present on the pleural surface of the neck, ~24 mm in from the head end; - 2 incised wounds on the 11th rib, on the superior edge of the head, ~12 mm long. These wounds line up with wounds on the left side of the 11th thoracic vertebral centrum and were likely caused by the same thrusts; - the 12th left rib is missing. • Right Ribs: - no wounds were noted for the right ribs, although the 11th & 12th are missing. • Appendicular Bones: - no wounds were noted for any appendicular bones. The following general conclusions can be drawn from the pattern of perimortem trauma observed on this skeleton: (1) Unlike the previous Eyler victim analyzed from this site (UI-05-09), no clear evidence of dismemberment is present on the UI-24-06 skeleton, although some critical bones of the neck and wrist are absent. (2) The UI-05-09 skeleton displayed a number of wounds that were caused as the knife was driven repeatedly into the base of the neck and top of the chest on the right side. The wound to the 1st thoracic vertebra of UI-24-06 was created in the same fashion, but this latter skeleton lacks evidence of repeated thrusts. The upper 2 ribs on both sides are undamaged, but the right clavicle (which was heavily damaged in UI-05-09) is missing. (3) At least 39 stab wounds are present on the fronts of the 8th thoracic through 3rd lumbar vertebral bodies (Figure 4). Some penetrate into the spongy bone of the spinal column. These wounds were caused by plunging the knife into the middle of the abdominal cavity, potentially striking the inferior vena cava, descending abdominal aorta, and/or the renal blood vessels. The presence of stab wounds as high as the 8th thoracic vertebral body suggests that the weapon either penetrated the sternum or was plunged upward into the UI-24-06 Supplemental Anthropology Report -- Page 4 of 8 inferior thoracic aperture from below; unfortunately, the absence of most of the sternum makes it difficult to interpret the higher wounds. This pattern of trauma is similar to that observed on the other skeleton (UI-05-09), although some differences are evident: many of the stab wounds on the UI-24-06 vertebrae are transversely rather than vertically oriented, are deeper, and are more numerous than for UI-05-09. Like UI-05-09, a number of thrusts landed lateral to the vertebral column, hitting the heads and necks of the ribs on their pleural (inner) sides. At least 7 additional thrusts beyond the 39 described above are indicated by these rib neck wounds. (4) At least 4 incised wounds are present on the upper left portion of the chest and a few others are present on the lateral side of the left chest. At least some of these penetrated into the pleural cavity. Unlike UI-05-09, where some of the rib wounds were on the right side, no right ribs were injured for UI-24-06. (5) Unlike for UI-05-09, no cleaning or scalpel wounds that may have occurred during autopsy were noted for UI-24-06. (6) Unlike for UI-05-09, no blunt force fractures were noted for the ribs or for any other bone of UI-24-06. (7) There is no evidence for the use of a saw or hatchet. No gunshot wounds were noted. (8) Overall, the pattern and specific features of the trauma to the UI-24-06 skeleton are remarkably similar to that observed for UI-05-09. It is possible that the same weapons were used in both cases. TAPHONOMIC PROFILE (a summary of additional phenomena that occurred at & after death) BONE CONDITION: • Most bone surfaces are in good condition with very little weathering or fracturing, and most diagnostic features and landmarks are still available for examination. • Colors of the bones range from light tan to dark brown, as would be expected for a decomposed specimen that was excavated from a shallow grave. No unusual colors or stains were noted. ANIMAL DAMAGE: • No clear carnivore damage is noted. • No rodent gnawing is present. OTHER CHANGES: • No sunbleaching is present. • No burning is present. • No root etching or algae staining is present. SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATIONS (1) The decedent represented by the postcranial skeleton is most likely a teenage Afroamerican male between the ages of 15 and 18 and greather than average height. This profile is broadly consistent with the profile obtained for the skull we analyzed previously, and that cranium seems to match the 1st cervical vertebra. However, we cannot prove scientifically that the skull actually belongs to the postcranial skeleton simply from osteological analysis, particularly since the central portion of the cervical spine is missing. Therefore caution is warranted, especially in light of the fact that the remains of additional individuals are mixed into the assemblage of Eyler victims recovered from this burial site. (2) Positive identification may be established using premortem dental or medical radiographs or by DNA analysis. DNA analysis may also be able to confirm the presumed link between the skull and the postcranial skeleton. (3) We suggest that a section of one of the long bones and an intact, mature tooth be sent to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification (or a similar lab) for DNA extraction. Note that UNT offers this service for free. Please visit the following website for more information: http://www.unthumanid.org/ UI-24-06 Supplemental Anthropology Report -- Page 5 of 8 (4) The attached “NCIC Unidentified Person Dental Report” may be used by local law enforcement to enter the decedent’s dental data into the National Crime Information Center database (we did not provide this form with our original report on the skull). Please visit the following website for more information: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/ncic.htm (5) A minimum of 61 sharp force wounds are present on the left side of the face, the chest, and the abdomen. Some of these were probably caused by the same thrust, but at least 40 separate thrusts are indicated. (6) We recommend that the skeleton remain at our laboratory until additional information regarding the decedent’s possible identity emerges. We are able to conduct initial screening of dental records of possible decedents, but final dental identification must be made by a qualified forensic dentist. We can sometimes establish positive identification from good-quality medical radiographs. STATUS: • All bones released to us are currently being held in our secure evidence room. APPENDED MATERIALS: • Figures 1 through 4 • NCIC Unidentified Person Dental Report SUBMITTED: • A copy of this report is being forwarded to the Newton County Coroner’s Office, Morocco, IN. Stephen Nawrocki ______________________________________ Stephen P. Nawrocki, PhD REPORT DATE: 9-6-10 Sease Distinguished Professor of Forensic Studies Professor of Biology Board-Certified Forensic Anthropologist Co-Director, University of Indianapolis Archeology & Forensics Laboratory 1400 E. Hanna Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46227-3697 (317) 788-3486 or x3565 http://archlab.uindy.edu UI-24-06 Supplemental Anthropology Report -- Page 6 of 8 FIGURE 1. Ventral view of the centrum of the 12th thoracic vertebra, showing multiple transversely-oriented knife stab wounds. The point of the blade was oriented towards the right of the image (to the left side of the decedent), and the back of the blade is to the left of the image. The longest wound is ~6 mm long. The vertical creases along the superior and inferior edges of the centrum are remnants of the growth process and are not wounds. FIGURE 2. Close-up of a knife stab wound on the pleural (inner) surface of the left 8th rib. The wedgeshaped outline is visible, with the point of the blade facing to the left of the image and the back of the blade to the right. Dark-staining from blood or other fluids is also evident. The wound is ~7 mm long. UI-24-06 Supplemental Anthropology Report -- Page 7 of 8 FIGURE 3. Approximate position (red triangle) of the knife stab wound on the left side of the face. FIGURE 4. Anterior view of the thorax indicating the areas of concentration of sharp force trauma (within the red ovals). Not all trauma is included on this diagram. UI-24-06 Supplemental Anthropology Report -- Page 8 of 8 NCIC Unidentified Person File Data Collection Entry Guide Agency Case # NCIC Unidentified Person Dental Report SECTION 1 ME/Coroner Case #: UI-24-06 / 56-09-Adam83 NCIC #: Date Completed: 9-6-10 Dr. Stephen Nawrocki, Phd, DABFA Completed by: Address: University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave., Indianapolis IN 46227 Telephone #: 317-788-3486 Email Address: snawrocki@uindy.edu X-Rays Available? Yes No Dental Models Available? Yes No Dental Photographs Available? Yes No DENTAL CHARACTERISTICS SECTION 2 Upper Right V 01 (18)______________________ V 02 (17)______________________ O,L 03 (16)______________________ V 04 (15)______________________(A) V 05 (14)______________________(B) V 06 (13)______________________(C) V 07 (12)______________________(D) V 08 (11)______________________(E) Upper Left V 09 (21)______________________(F) V 10 (22)______________________(G) V 11 (23)______________________(H) V 12 (24)______________________(I) O,D 13 (25)______________________(J) O,L 14 (26)______________________ V 15 (27)______________________ V 16 (28)______________________ (Numbers in parentheses represent FDI System.) Lower Right V 32 (48)______________________ V 31 (47)______________________ V 30 (46)______________________ V 29 (45)______________________(T) V 28 (44)______________________(S) V 27 (43)______________________(R) V 26 (42)______________________(Q) V 25 (41)______________________(P) Lower Left V 24 (31)______________________(O) V 23 (32)______________________(N) V 22 (33)______________________(M) V 21 (34)______________________(L) V 20 (35)______________________(K) V 19 (36)______________________ V 18 (37)______________________ V 17 (38)______________________ (Letters in parentheses represent deciduous dentition.) DENTAL CODES SECTION 3 X = Tooth has been removed or did not develop F = Facial or Buccal Surface Restored V = Tooth is present and unrestored M = Mesial Surface Restored O = Occlusal/Incisal Surface Restored D = Distal Surface Restored L = Lingual Surface Restored C = Lab Processed or Prefabricated Restoration R = Endodontic Treatment / = Postmortem Missing or Not Recovered (Default Code) (*The codes V and / are used differently in the Unidentified Person Report than in the Missing Person Dental Report.) SECTION 4 ALL (All 32 teeth are present and unrestored) Rev 2/06 DENTAL REMARKS UNK (No dental information available) 30 NCIC Unidentified Person File Data Collection Entry Guide Agency Case # Dental Codes and Descriptions Primary Dental Codes - One or more codes must be entered for each tooth. Code / Description Default code for Unidentified Persons. Typically used when the tooth is not recovered. Also used when a portion of the tooth is remaining and it is impossible to determine if the clinical crown has been restored. Note: This code is used differently when coding dental characteristics for Missing Persons. V Virgin. Tooth is present and unrestored. This includes unerupted teeth such as wisdom or deciduous teeth. Note: This code is used differently when coding dental characteristics for Missing Persons. X Missing. Tooth has been extracted or is congenitally missing. M Mesial surface of the tooth has been restored. O Occlusal or Incisal surface of the tooth has been restored. D Distal surface of the tooth has been restored. F Facial or Buccal surface of the tooth has been restored. L Lingual surface of the tooth has been restored. Secondary Dental Codes - Can C not be used independently. Must be used in conjunction with Primary codes. Code Description C Any laboratory processed restoration including crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers. This code also includes prefabricated restorations such as stainless steel crowns, metal and acrylic temporary crowns, and porcelain processed veneers. R Root canal. Evidence is available to establish that an endodontic procedure has been started or completed. Rev 2/06 32