There are two fairly recent missing person’s cases that are relevant to this dis
ID: 3472149 • Letter: T
Question
There are two fairly recent missing person’s cases that are relevant to this discovery:
Case 1: Male, age 28, 5’ 11” tall, weight 180 lbs. Native American. Construction worker, currently employed at a big job site in Bellevue. Broke his left radius while in junior high school, playing baseball. Does rock climbing as a hobby. Dental records not available. Family says he took good care of his teeth, but unknown if he had any fillings.
Case 2: Male, age 36, 5’ 11” tall, weight 180. Caucasian. Software developer at Microsoft. Plays no sports. Fractured left radius three years ago while on vacation (slipped and fell at the poolside). Hobbies include going out with friends on the weekend, and video gaming with friends. Family moved from Midwest, dental records destroyed in clinic fire in their hometown. Family said he had “perfect teeth.” (Be careful here. Where is the evidence for this, if it even exists or is accurate?)
Your task: What are some clues in the skeleton you can look for that will help you decide if this skeleton belongs to one of these men? DNA analysis is NOT the first thing that would be done--it is expensive, and results aren't quick in coming back to the involved police department. The very first question you must ask (and answer, using the remains) is, what is the gender of the skeleton? How would you know if you were looking at a male or a female? Next, list additional indications in the skeletal remains you could look for that would help you identify the victim. (You may list more than five characteristics or features if you are able to do so.)
Explanation / Answer
The gender of a person can be determined from skeletal remains using public bones. In females, the pelvic inlet is circular, have broader sciatic notch and have wider angle where two public bones meet in the front.
In males, the pelvic inlet is narrower and heart shaped. Sciatic notch is also narrower. The sub public angle is on lower side than the female pelvis.
The following skeletal features can be used in identifying the victim,