Turning up the heat: the forensic implications of cremated remains with an emphasis on infrared spectroscopy
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Authors
Schnell, Kerri L.
Issue Date
2007
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Forensic sciences
Alternative Title
Abstract
Very little research exists that applies the information obtained by experiments carried out in the laboratory to actual cases of cremated remains in the forensic setting. This research focuses on a comprehensive investigation of a cremated sample that includes the examination of visual characteristics, cremation weights, histological characteristics, and demographic methodology. An emphasis is placed on evaluation of the state of the bone mineral and matrix via infrared spectroscopy to effectively describe the heat-induced changes that occurred during cremation.
A sample of 2,030 fragments of cremated human bone weighing 906.1g represents a single individual (possibly female) that was burned in-flesh. The color of the sample indicates that the bone has reached its calcined inorganic structure. Differential burning, mottling, green discoloration, and pink staining were also observed. Shrinkage falls into the range of 1-18% and warpage was seen mainly in fragments of long bone. The only fractures that were evident in the bone were heat-induced.
The infrared spectroscopic techniques utilized here effectively describe the heatinduced changes that occurred in the bone mineral. Color change is not correlated to the crystallinity index (splitting factor, SF) of burned bone. Infrared spectroscopy resulted in SF values from 3.8-7.0, indicating that the bones represented in this sample correspond to partial and complete cremation and bone that has been diagenetically altered.
This individual is at least 35 years of age based upon the degree of sagittal suture closure and degree of epiphyseal fusion of the distal end of the left fibula. The remains only possibly suggest those of a female based upon the weight of the cremains and the gracile nature of the bones. An estimation of stature and ancestry was not given, as the condition of the remains did not allow such determinations.