NCJ Number
232903
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 55 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2010 Pages: 1630-1633
Date Published
November 2010
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper reports on five cases of age estimation using the racemization method.
Abstract
When an unidentified body is found, it is essential to establish the personal identity of the body in addition to investigating the cause of death. Identification is one of the most important functions of forensic dentistry. Fingerprint, dental, and DNA analysis can be used to accurately identify a body. However, if no information is available for identification, age estimation can contribute to the resolution of a case. The authors have been using aspartic acid racemization rates in dentin (D-aspartic acid/L-aspartic acid: D/L Asp) as an index for age estimation and have obtained satisfactory results. In all five cases reported in this paper, estimated ages were accurate within a range +/- 3 years. The authors conclude that the racemization method is a reliable and practical method for estimating age. (Published Abstract)