Who Are You? Who Are You? Case Studies in Human Case Studies in Human

IdentificationIdentification

Dana Austin, PhD, DABFADana Austin, PhD, DABFAForensic AnthropologistForensic Anthropologist

Human Identification LabHuman Identification LabTarrant County Medical Examiner’s Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s

DistrictDistrict

Human Id LaboratoryHuman Id Laboratory Director and OdontologistDirector and Odontologist

Roger Metcalf, D.D.S.Roger Metcalf, D.D.S. AnthropologistAnthropologist

Dana Austin, Ph.D.Dana Austin, Ph.D. Fingerprint ExaminersFingerprint Examiners

Bill BaileyBill Bailey Bill WalkerBill Walker

InternsInterns Paul Coffman & OthersPaul Coffman & Others

TCME Unidentified 12/5/07TCME Unidentified 12/5/07

59 males / 12 females / 1 unknown59 males / 12 females / 1 unknown Currently 73 cases from 1982 – 2007Currently 73 cases from 1982 – 2007 17 different law enforcement agencies17 different law enforcement agencies 19 homicides /26 undetermined / 1 unk19 homicides /26 undetermined / 1 unk

Better for assistance from law enforcementBetter for assistance from law enforcement 15 accidental / 9 natural / 3 suicide15 accidental / 9 natural / 3 suicide

Can mean less interest from LECan mean less interest from LE

Circumstances

26

19

6

51 6

Transient

Skeletal

Floater

Auto-Ped

Train-Ped

Single Bone

Protocol for Cold CasesProtocol for Cold Cases

Case file retrieval and reviewCase file retrieval and review Files retained in Anthropology Files retained in Anthropology

laboratorylaboratory NCIC entry or modificationNCIC entry or modification

Modification of biological profile Modification of biological profile Addition of dental codesAddition of dental codes

Protocol for Cold CasesProtocol for Cold Cases

CODISmp sample submissionCODISmp sample submission Blood swatches/cardsBlood swatches/cards BoneBone Paraffin-embedded tissue blocksParaffin-embedded tissue blocks Known hair samplesKnown hair samples

FingerprintsFingerprints Classification entry into NCICClassification entry into NCIC Upload into AFIS/IAFIS/IDENTUpload into AFIS/IAFIS/IDENT

Follow-up with possible matchesFollow-up with possible matches $M messages from NCIC$M messages from NCIC Leads from networks or citizensLeads from networks or citizens

Additional MeasuresAdditional Measures

Scan photos and submit Scan photos and submit to internet based to internet based databasesdatabases TattoosTattoos Facial photosFacial photos

Facial ReconstructionFacial Reconstruction Clay reconstruction from Clay reconstruction from

skullsskulls Sketches from body photosSketches from body photos

Enter into other Enter into other databasesdatabases UDRSUDRS Doe NetworkDoe Network

Manpower !Manpower !

Grant Funded Part-time EmployeeGrant Funded Part-time Employee Employment period 2 mos.Employment period 2 mos.

Began June 4, 2007Began June 4, 2007 11stst identification June 20, 2007 identification June 20, 2007 Two ids on July 13, 2007Two ids on July 13, 2007 Grant extension expired July 30, 2007Grant extension expired July 30, 2007

3 additional id’s since he left3 additional id’s since he left Application in for Jan-Jun, 2008Application in for Jan-Jun, 2008

4 Years Unidentified4 Years Unidentified

2002 John Doe2002 John Doe Several tentative id’s wereSeveral tentative id’s were

obtained at the scene from medicine obtained at the scene from medicine bottles and a vehiclebottles and a vehicle

Lexis Nexis used to track down names Lexis Nexis used to track down names and vehicleand vehicle Leads ran to dead ends or left open Leads ran to dead ends or left open

questionsquestions

2006 Resolution2006 Resolution

Requested all reports from LE. Their Requested all reports from LE. Their follow-up and questioning suggested follow-up and questioning suggested one name.one name.

Medical records and fingerprints were Medical records and fingerprints were obtainedobtained

Chest radiographs and fingerprints Chest radiographs and fingerprints matchedmatched

4 Years Unidentified4 Years Unidentified

2003 John Doe2003 John Doe Apparent TransientApparent Transient Unwitnessed AccidentUnwitnessed Accident Thumbprints searched through TX DPS Thumbprints searched through TX DPS

AFIS databaseAFIS database

2007 Resolution2007 Resolution

Family member called ME office asking Family member called ME office asking for missing relativefor missing relative

Hospital records located for MP but no Hospital records located for MP but no radiographs or dental records foundradiographs or dental records found

FWPD missing persons tracked down FWPD missing persons tracked down archived fingerprints on MParchived fingerprints on MP

TCME database showed 4 possible John TCME database showed 4 possible John Doe that fit time frame and had f.p. to Doe that fit time frame and had f.p. to comparecompare

What did we miss?What did we miss?

Fingerprint did not hit in AFISFingerprint did not hit in AFIS Individual was reported missing to Individual was reported missing to

FWPDFWPD MP case was mis-filedMP case was mis-filed Tenacity of family paid offTenacity of family paid off

4 Years Unidentified4 Years Unidentified

2003 John Doe2003 John Doe Fell or jumped from downtown parking Fell or jumped from downtown parking

garagegarage Thumbprints searched through TX DPS Thumbprints searched through TX DPS

AFIS databaseAFIS database

2007 Resolution2007 Resolution

Fingerprints were run again through Fingerprints were run again through TX DPS AFIS systemTX DPS AFIS system

Candidate search identified decedent Candidate search identified decedent this timethis time

What did we miss?What did we miss?

Fingerprint did not hit in AFIS in 2003Fingerprint did not hit in AFIS in 2003 If fingerprints are still available it is If fingerprints are still available it is

worth the time to try againworth the time to try again Different fingers may produce a Different fingers may produce a

positive resultpositive result

Dec. 1994 Train-PedestrianDec. 1994 Train-Pedestrian

Train unable to stop, body on tracksTrain unable to stop, body on tracks Young Hispanic maleYoung Hispanic male Handwritten notes in pocket possibly Handwritten notes in pocket possibly

indicate suicideindicate suicide Train ticket from Dallas to Ft Worth for Train ticket from Dallas to Ft Worth for

2 days earlier2 days earlier Fingerprints checked with no resultsFingerprints checked with no results

July 2007July 2007

Call from UNTHSC DNA Identity LabCall from UNTHSC DNA Identity Lab Cold hit on our 1994 John DoeCold hit on our 1994 John Doe

TCME submitted Blood swatch 3/06TCME submitted Blood swatch 3/06 Family reference sample submitted by LE Family reference sample submitted by LE

2/062/06 77thth cold hit for UNTHSC cold hit for UNTHSC Family notified in person by LEFamily notified in person by LE

TX Missing Persons DNA TX Missing Persons DNA DatabaseDatabase

Housed at UNTHSC in Fort WorthHoused at UNTHSC in Fort Worth Funded by State Legislation in 2001Funded by State Legislation in 2001 Extractions begun March 2003Extractions begun March 2003 Accepts cases of unidentified remains Accepts cases of unidentified remains

and relatives of missing personsand relatives of missing persons First lab to use CODISmp softwareFirst lab to use CODISmp software

Texas Missing Person’s DNA Texas Missing Person’s DNA Database 7/16/07Database 7/16/07

►Current Profiles for Unidentified/MissingCurrent Profiles for Unidentified/Missing 470 Unidentified remains470 Unidentified remains 1210 Relatives of Missing Persons1210 Relatives of Missing Persons

►108 identifications to date

►7 Cold Hits to date

►1st Id in August 2003

National Missing Person DNA National Missing Person DNA Database (NMPDD)Database (NMPDD)

2005 data Profiles for 2005 data Profiles for Unidentified/MissingUnidentified/Missing158 Missing Persons158 Missing Persons415 Relatives of Missing 415 Relatives of Missing

PersonsPersons203 Unidentified Remains203 Unidentified Remains

Current numbers (July 07) are less Current numbers (July 07) are less than 5000 combinedthan 5000 combined

What did we miss?What did we miss? Family reported him missing to the local PDFamily reported him missing to the local PD

No NCIC entry No NCIC entry No check with the MEONo check with the MEO

Family continued to follow-up with their Family continued to follow-up with their local PDlocal PD

We had a train ticket with his last name and We had a train ticket with his last name and did not look at MPCH webpage for that namedid not look at MPCH webpage for that name

MPCH webpage had his date of MPCH webpage had his date of disappearance off by one yeardisappearance off by one year

October 1991 HomicideOctober 1991 Homicide

Unknown male recovered from Trinity Unknown male recovered from Trinity RiverRiver

Young Hispanic MaleYoung Hispanic Male An officer recognizes decedent but An officer recognizes decedent but

does not know legal namedoes not know legal name Decedent resided at Night ShelterDecedent resided at Night Shelter Interviews suggested two possible Interviews suggested two possible

namesnames

July 2007July 2007

Fingerprints search through TX DPS Fingerprints search through TX DPS AFISAFIS

Name was the same as one name Name was the same as one name suggested in 1991suggested in 1991

Family members still not located in Family members still not located in Mexico for notificationMexico for notification

June 1989 HomicideJune 1989 Homicide

Unknown male inside parked vehicle Unknown male inside parked vehicle transported to hospital vomiting and transported to hospital vomiting and seizingseizing

Thought to be heat strokeThought to be heat stroke Citation in pocket for panhandling Citation in pocket for panhandling

Name and date of birth obtained from Name and date of birth obtained from ticketticket

Hospital changes John Doe to name on Hospital changes John Doe to name on ticketticket

June 2007June 2007

Fingerprints located in main fileFingerprints located in main file Right thumb searched through AFISRight thumb searched through AFIS AFIS produced a name with a 9999 scoreAFIS produced a name with a 9999 score Fingerprint comparison confirmed the idFingerprint comparison confirmed the id Name was different but DOB the same as Name was different but DOB the same as

the panhandling citationthe panhandling citation Family member notified in person by LEFamily member notified in person by LE

AFIS/IAFIS AFIS/IAFIS

Most states have AFIS database run by Most states have AFIS database run by State Police or DPSState Police or DPS When we search through TX AFIS we are When we search through TX AFIS we are

searching only the TX databasesearching only the TX database IAFIS (Integrated Automated IAFIS (Integrated Automated

Fingerprint Id System) combines Fingerprint Id System) combines fingerprint databases from fingerprint databases from contributing state & federal agenciescontributing state & federal agencies Maintained by the FBIMaintained by the FBI Access by law enforcement agenciesAccess by law enforcement agencies

What did we miss?What did we miss?

Family did not report him missing Family did not report him missing Fingerprints were stored in an Fingerprints were stored in an

archived filearchived file Date of birth on citation was correctDate of birth on citation was correct

22 Years Unidentified22 Years Unidentified1985-20071985-2007

Train-Pedestrian fatality 9/7/1985 Train-Pedestrian fatality 9/7/1985 Estimated to be 20 y.o. Hispanic MaleEstimated to be 20 y.o. Hispanic Male Postmortem fingerprints retained by Postmortem fingerprints retained by

agencyagency

22 Years Unidentified22 Years Unidentified1985-20071985-2007

In 2007, agency did not have original In 2007, agency did not have original prints or any evidence in their storageprints or any evidence in their storage

A letter showing that a copy of the A letter showing that a copy of the fingerprints was mailed to MPCH in fingerprints was mailed to MPCH in 19911991

MPCH requested fingerprint search by MPCH requested fingerprint search by Biometric Support Center WestBiometric Support Center West

BSC West/DHS Fingerprint BSC West/DHS Fingerprint CenterCenter

Services available to LE and ME 24/7. Services available to LE and ME 24/7. Response is 6-12 hrs from receiptResponse is 6-12 hrs from receipt

Multiple fingerprint databases including Multiple fingerprint databases including IAFIS & IDENT (DHS/Immigration)IAFIS & IDENT (DHS/Immigration)

70% of IDENT prints are not in IAFIS70% of IDENT prints are not in IAFIS They helped us id two Italian nationalsThey helped us id two Italian nationals

All foreign nationals entering US give index All foreign nationals entering US give index finger prints. Info included when they finger prints. Info included when they entered US, where they entered, but no NOKentered US, where they entered, but no NOK

What did we miss?What did we miss?

Fingerprints not centralized and Fingerprints not centralized and searchable in 1985searchable in 1985

No information on NOKNo information on NOK

22 Years Unidentified22 Years Unidentified

Bones were recovered in May 1993 by Bones were recovered in May 1993 by Johnson Co. MEJohnson Co. ME

LE re-looked at case in 2003LE re-looked at case in 2003 Bone sample submitted to TX Missing Person’s Bone sample submitted to TX Missing Person’s

DNA databaseDNA database Skeleton submitted to Tarrant County Skeleton submitted to Tarrant County

Anthropologist for analysis and facial Anthropologist for analysis and facial reconstructionreconstruction

June 2003 NCIC ModificationJune 2003 NCIC Modification

Texas Missing Persons Texas Missing Persons Clearinghouse assisted Clearinghouse assisted us in modifying the entryus in modifying the entry

Age, PMI, stature & cause Age, PMI, stature & cause of death were modifiedof death were modified

Dental codes were addedDental codes were added Modified entry was re-run Modified entry was re-run

against possible missing against possible missing femalesfemales

Facial Reconstruction by Suzanne Baldon

June 2004 June 2004

The Texas Missing Persons DNA The Texas Missing Persons DNA database links our skeletal remains to database links our skeletal remains to Donna WilliamsonDonna Williamson

This was the first This was the first COLD HITCOLD HIT for the for the databasedatabase

What did we miss?What did we miss?

Donna Williamson Donna Williamson disappeared in 1982 disappeared in 1982 when she was 19 when she was 19 years 11 mos oldyears 11 mos old

MP & UNID profiles MP & UNID profiles were in NCIC. Donna were in NCIC. Donna was eliminated as was eliminated as possible because her possible because her dental was entered dental was entered reverse left-rightreverse left-right

Missing Person Missing Person ClearinghousesClearinghouses

Each U.S. state, Puerto Rico, and Canada Each U.S. state, Puerto Rico, and Canada have some type of clearinghousehave some type of clearinghouse

If you are active in MP or Unid cases, get to If you are active in MP or Unid cases, get to know your clearinghouse personnelknow your clearinghouse personnel

Individual states vary in their level of Individual states vary in their level of resources and servicesresources and services

NCMEC provides training, technical assist, & NCMEC provides training, technical assist, & communication to clearinghousescommunication to clearinghouses

http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/ServiceServlet?servlet/ServiceServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=1421LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=1421

►Housed under the Texas DPS Criminal Law Enforcement Division, Special Crimes Service

►MPCH was established by the 69th Legislature, regular session in 1985.

►1986 MPCH became operational ►Staff - 8 people

Central repository for information pertaining to missing persons and unidentified living/deceased.

Assists law enforcement, families, non-profit organizations, and the general public in handling matters involving missing and unidentified persons.

Publication/distribution of photos

Training for law enforcement

Analytical support (including NCIC entry)

Make new or modify NCIC entryMake new or modify NCIC entry Search for next of kinSearch for next of kin Easily accessible, knowledgeableEasily accessible, knowledgeable Run searches and gather responses Run searches and gather responses

from NCIC and collate for usfrom NCIC and collate for us

Summary of Id MethodsSummary of Id Methods

5 cases by fingerprints5 cases by fingerprints Two re-runs on TX AFISTwo re-runs on TX AFIS One hit by BSC (Dept. Homeland Security)One hit by BSC (Dept. Homeland Security) Three first time run Three first time run

Two cold DNA hitsTwo cold DNA hits Two investigative clearances Two investigative clearances Family TenacityFamily Tenacity

Summary of ResourcesSummary of Resources

ClearinghousesClearinghouses NCIC database entryNCIC database entry DNA database entryDNA database entry

Unid bodyUnid body Family reference sample for MP casesFamily reference sample for MP cases

Fingerprint databasesFingerprint databases Statewide (TX DPS)Statewide (TX DPS) IAFIS (FBI)IAFIS (FBI) Ident (DHS)Ident (DHS)

WebpagesWebpages

Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources National Center for Missing & Exploited ChildrenNational Center for Missing & Exploited Children National Center for Missing AdultsNational Center for Missing Adults Doe NetworkDoe Network ViCAPViCAP Unidentified Decedent Reporting System (UDRS)Unidentified Decedent Reporting System (UDRS)

2006 MEOs can enter unidentified cases2006 MEOs can enter unidentified cases Includes photos and detailsIncludes photos and details Limited access to public (visitors)Limited access to public (visitors)

Medical Examiner web pagesMedical Examiner web pages Maricopa County, AZ (Phoenix)Maricopa County, AZ (Phoenix) Clark County, NV (Las Vegas)Clark County, NV (Las Vegas) Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA KentuckyKentucky

Special Thank YouSpecial Thank You

John Planz & Steve Gammon, UNTHSCJohn Planz & Steve Gammon, UNTHSC Harry Carlile, FBIHarry Carlile, FBI Heidi Fisher & Patricia Blake, TDPS Heidi Fisher & Patricia Blake, TDPS

MPCHMPCH Douglas Hares, FBI Laboratory, CODIS Douglas Hares, FBI Laboratory, CODIS

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