Forensic Anthropology

By Lucy Johnson

By Lucy Johnson

Forensic Anthropology

Forensic Anthropology

“Forensic anthropology is the examination of human skeletal remains for law enforcement agencies to determine the identity of unidentified bones.”

Forensic Anthropology is taking regular scientific techniques learned through anthropology and using them to identify human remains for law enforcement.

http://web.utk.edu/~anthrop/FACwhatis.html

Purpose of a Forensic Anthropologist

Forensic Anthropologists are called into a scene when the remains cannot be identified using other methods.

They are able to determine the sex, age, ethnicity, height and time since death. They sometimes are able to narrow the murder weapon possibilities by examining the trauma on the bones.

Degrees

Forensic Anthropologists need at least a Bachelors degree and a Master’s degree in anthropology or a related scientific field. The top forensic anthropologists usually have a PhD in physical anthropology.

In addition to this schooling, forensic anthropologists gain experience by assisting forensic anthropologists with their casework.

Employment

There are very few full time jobs as a forensic anthropologist. Most anthropologists have other jobs and consult on cases on the side.

One of the few job positions available is as a state’s forensic anthropologist. These forensic anthropologists are responsible for any case in the state requiring their knowledge.

Another is in the U.S. government or military. Usually they work with the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC).

Dr. Elizabeth Murray

Dr. Murray is a biological and forensic anthropologist.

Her full time job is being a professor of Biology at the College of Mount St. Joseph. She also consults on cases that need her expertise.

She decided to become a forensic anthropologist because she thought humans were the most interesting animals she studied.

“I think that anthropology encompasses the most ‘complete’ understanding of humans, including their cultures (past and present), their languages, their anatomy and physiology and how we have changed over time through evolution.”

-Dr. Elizabeth Murray

Education

In undergraduate school, Dr. Murray earned a B.S. in biology. It was during these studies that she chose to become an anthropologist.

She went to college for thirteen years.

In 1986, she began her masters degree in anthropology. At the same time she began serving as a research assistant to a professor of anthropology.

Dr. Murray’s favorite part of anthropology work is the challenge presented in these cases.

. She likes being able to use her knowledge and abilities with a skeleton to benefit others.

Her least favorite part is the glimpse of the terrible things people can do to others, especially children.

When Dr. Murray is called in to help with an investigation, she only works with the scientific en.

“I am just one part of a larger puzzle, and scientists must remain objective and not ‘take sides’.”

Her job is to examine the body, write a report, and give it to the coroner. Occasionally she will be called to testify on her findings.

Investigating a case begins with a visual survey of the body to see what stage the remains are in, for example if they are skeletons, mummified, or decomposing.

Then measurements must be taken of the teeth and bones to check against records and find sex, age, ethnicity and more.

Any fractures and other identifying features must be noted for later use.

Also, by examining the body and surrounding areas, an approximate time since death can be given.

Some of the cases that forensic anthropologists work on are cold cases. By working on these, they free up investigators to work on newer crimes.

In Texas, Dr. Jennifer C. Love investigated the case of three unidentified teen boys. They were believed to be the victims of the mass murderers by Dean Corll, David Owen Brooks, and Elmer Wayne Henley.

These three boys are believed to be last of twenty-six victims of serial killings discovered in 1973.

After collecting samples, Love sent in DNA samples to provide proof of the boy’s identities.

Dr. Murray’s Purpose

• “My work in forensic science assists families (and society in general) in their search for answers about missing persons, possible criminal activity, and helps work toward justice in our community.”

Bibliography

http://www.texmedctr.tmc.edu/root/en/TMCServices/News/2007/08-01/Forensic+Anthropologist.htm

http://web.utk.edu/~anthrop/FACwhatis.html

Murray, Elizabeth PhD. “For Interested Students: An Interview with Dr. Elizabeth Murray”. 2008.