NCJ Number
96860
Journal
International Criminal Police Review Issue: 373 Dated: (December 1983) Pages: 286-290
Date Published
1983
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A forensic process based on the electronic superimposition of images allows a comparision between a skull and face photograph to determine the degree of similarity or difference in proportion and structure; the results can be used as a criterion for identification.
Abstract
A prostitute disappeared in Germany in 1973. In 1976, a woman's skeleton was discovered, and considerable evidence suggested that it was the corpse of the missing woman. However, no information existed on the woman's blood group or teeth, nor were there any x-rays. The corpse was finally identified as the woman in question by means of the electronic superimposition of images. Superimposing the image of the skull on the photographs of the victim's face showed a perfect match between the two. The same comparisions were carried out with the skull and with photographs of 25 other women of similar age and constitution. In no case was such a perfect match found. The method was accepted as evidence by the Frankfurt Assize Court. Photographs, diagrams, and footnotes are included.