Human Remains Case Study

When human remains are found in the United States, a full investigation goes into the identification of the remains, and determining if there was any illegal activities involved in the case. Depending upon the age of the remains, tests can be performed to determine identity. For example: if hair is found, DNA analysis can be performed for more accurate analysis of race, sex, height, or even identity. One of the most relevant things that could be done in this case, is to look at missing person's dental records and see if there could be any matches made to the remains found. If more ancient skeletons are found, a dig site would most likely be set up. Archaeologists could then create a more accurate time frame of how long ago the remains had passed away.
A cause of death could possibly be determined. Anthropologists could look at fractures of bones, or any other marks. One interesting story of how this occurred was from when Archaeologists discovered the remains of a fourteen year old female in Jamestown Virginia. Anthropologists with only a skull and tibia were able to determine age, ethnicity, health conditions, and sadly, the cause of death. The cause of death was determined to be cannibalism as there were multiple marks and chips to the bones that proved this. Anthropological technology has become extraordinarily extensive, and by using only a few bones, anthropologists can determine many things about a person's life before they