NCJ Number
223889
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 53 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2008 Pages: 952-955
Date Published
July 2008
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a novel approach for fingerprinting mummified fingers that involves removal and rehydration of the finger pads--including the epidermal, dermal, and adipose tissues--followed by inking and rolling while using a gloved finger for support.
Abstract
In the case study presented, this procedure produced a fingerprint whose quality was sufficient to enable a positive identification of the decedent, leading to the eventual arrest of a suspect. This procedure caused minimal deformity to the hands and fingers when compared to other techniques that require full-digit amputation. Although the procedure is time consuming, it is still faster than either dental or DNA analysis in identifying deceased victims. The procedure is easy to learn, and the results improve with experience. At the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office (San Antonio, TX) where this procedure was developed, this fingerprinting procedure has been instituted as the standard protocol. This paper describes the following steps: incising the finger, removing the print, rehydration, fingerprinting, and re-rehydration. The supplies needed are a small pair of scissors (Iris scissors), a scalpel, forceps, and 10 containers for keeping the fingerprints separate and labeled. 11 figures and 4 references