Module 6 - Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Entomology (Bones & Bugs)

Inferring the Cause of Death from Skeletal Remains

After a violent death, such as a homicide, a suicide, or an accident, bones may display signs of traumatic injury because these manners of death often result in skeletal damage. When skeletal remains are found, the cause of death can be inferred by a forensic anthropologist only after the examination of the bones. Because only bones remain, details of the type of trauma the victim suffered are unknown. Therefore, a forensic anthropologist will state that the trauma is consistent with a certain type of injury that could lead to death. For example, if a stab wound to the torso is observed, the existence of this type of wound does not prove that stabbing was the cause of death. A forensic anthropologist will likely state that the cause of death is consistent with death by stabbing. An inference is made rather than a confirmation because the person could have died from other causes before or after he or she was stabbed.

Forensic Fact:

Killers are afraid of getting caught; thus, the longer it takes to dispose of a body, the greater the chance of being spotted. Even in the wilderness, murderers tend to dump their victims near a road.

- Source: Hopping, Lorraine Jean. Dr. Diane France: Bone Detective –
The Story of Forensic Anthropologist, (p.46).
Scholastic Inc.-Joseph Henry Press, Washington DC (2005).