Discovering a double murder through skeletal remains: A case report. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Manzoni, Samuele; Ossoli, Andrea; Cortellini, Venusia; Verzeletti, Andrea
• Is Part Of: Medicine, science and the law. Volume 59:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 9
• Page End: 16
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Skeletal remains -- personal identification -- cause of death -- murder; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Medical laws and legislation -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 614.105
• DOI: 10.1177/0025802418812648
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-8024

Abstract

Forensic examination of human remains is a complex process that relies on the contribution of multidisciplinary forensic medicine specialties. Here we present a complex forensic case regarding a double murder whose victims were found almost completely skeletonized. Post-mortem investigations allowed us to define the biological profile of the two bodies (ancestry, sex, age and stature), to discover their identity through forensic DNA analysis, and to detect peri-mortem injuries caused by firearms and stabbing weapons. Three men were recognized as involved in the crime and two of them were condemned to life imprisonment for homicide. The judges accepted the reconstruction of the crime promoted by the Prosecutor (double firearm murder).