Bite Mark Evidence
by Sunita Reed |
July 18th, 2008 |
Published in
All, Technology
Stumble |
Share on Facebook |
Tweet This |
[If you cannot see the You Tube video below, you can click here for a high quality mp4 video.]
|
Interviewee: Daniel Blinka, Marquette University Law School; |
Setting Standards
In his more than 40 years of work in the field of forensic dentistry, Thomas Johnson has served as president of the American Board of Forensic Odontology, as an Associate Medical Examiner for the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner, as a consultant for the Crime Laboratories of the Wisconsin Department of Justice and is a certified senior crime scene analyst. In those roles, he identified victims of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer and victims of a commercial plane crash. The Marquette University School of Dentistry professor has also testified in some criminal cases where killers bit their victims before killing them.
But Johnson says that the majority of bite marks should not be used as evidence because they are “diffuse and indistinct.” He calls these patterns “smoke rings” and says that some of the recent cases in which bite mark evidence was overturned might be attributed to using unreliable wound patterns or improper techniques.
Johnson’s fellow professor and collaborator, former prosecutor Daniel Blinka, explains that when properly used, such evidence can be powerful and accurate, but points out exceptions. “There have been a number of cases from around the country where techniques weren’t properly done, where there were miscarriages of justice,” Blinka says.
They say that could be remedied if techniques for cataloguing and matching bite marks to a suspect’s teeth are standardized, and have completed the first phase of a project to show how it can be done.
Their first phase of research set out to determine if it was possible to quantify the probability of any two individuals having the same set of six dental characteristics. Johnson’s team included a biostatistician, a computer programmer, forensic imaging specialists from Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, and Blinka. They started by getting exemplars or tooth impressions of 419 male volunteers in Wisconsin. The researchers made life size digital images and used two computer programs to measure characteristics like tooth width, arch width and tooth rotation. The first program they used was Adobe Photoshop and the second, called Tom’s Toolbox, was developed by team member Thomas Wirtz.
Johnson presented their preliminary results at a meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. They found that of the 419 samples, no two were identical.
Johnson adds, “Several of our volunteers had several outliers, that is, characteristics which occurred in less than one percent of the sampling. This doesn’t provide an identification to the exclusion of all others, but does demonstrate that there is a scientific basis for opinion testimony.”
Johnson says that means that dental characteristics could be quantified. But he makes it very clear that this is just the beginning.
“It’s a start in the right direction, but this has to be continued for many hundred of thousands or maybe even millions of samples, so that we could get an adequate population database,” Johnson says.
He says that samples from different regions and ethnicity would be needed in order to scientifically determine how frequently a specific set of characteristics occurs in the general population.
Researchers collecting similar data at other forensics programs around the country have offered to share their samples to help build the database.
And Johnson has applied for grants to continue the research using 3D imaging. Once he has reached the goal of eventually standardizing the way bite marks are analyzed, he says the same computer program could be used to then match a suspect’s teeth to the sample. But even if there is a perfect match, Johnson says that only with an exhaustive database, such as the one he envisions, could the probability of someone else having the same set of characteristics. be determined.
While DNA evidence has become the gold standard in terms of courtroom reliability, Johnson says it is not always available.
“If you have DNA from the bite mark, that’s ideal, and that’s what should be used,” he says. “But in cases where DNA has been degraded or lost, bite mark patterns are still valuable evidence that should be collected. If there is a bite mark and you ignore it, that’s not the right thing to do. The defense attorney could ask why you didn’t gather that evidence.”
RESEARCH PRESENTED AT: American Academy of Forensic Sciences Conference, February, 2008
RESEARCH FUNDED BY: U.S. Department of Justice via the Midwest Forensic Resource Center, Iowa State University, Ames Laboratory, American Board of Forensic Odontology, the American Society of Forensic Odontology, the California Forensic Dental Association and Marquette University School of Dentistry.
Stumble |
Share on Facebook |
Tweet This |
August 12th, 2010 at 6:30 pm (#)
being a computer programmer myself makes me very proud of my job*,.
June 6th, 2011 at 2:27 pm (#)
I am experiencing a difficulty with your rss feed . Don’t know why I am not able to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting similar rss problem? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thanks
July 28th, 2011 at 10:04 am (#)
I love blogs / articles that highlight the overlap of science and technology. This shows how computer programmers can help with modern medicine and to me that is the whole point of science these days! It’s worthless if we can’t apply it to something meaningful..
August 3rd, 2011 at 7:36 am (#)
I definitely enjoyed the way you explore your encounter and knowledge of the subject”
August 4th, 2011 at 12:47 am (#)
I do not even know the way I stopped up right here, but I thought this publish was once good. I do not understand who you might be however definitely you’re going to a well-known blogger for those who aren’t already
Cheers!
September 19th, 2011 at 12:50 am (#)
I gotta bookmark this site it seems very beneficial extremely helpful
September 26th, 2011 at 2:53 pm (#)
Other than blogger what exactly are good blog sites teens are able to use?
October 7th, 2011 at 1:24 pm (#)
Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a website web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea… All the best, Wine New York
October 17th, 2011 at 12:32 am (#)
I’m in complete agreement with numerous the data in this post. You certainly are a unique author with the ability to place your sights into apparent sentences. Anyone should be able to understand why.
October 27th, 2011 at 7:55 am (#)
Really good information can be found on weblog .
October 28th, 2011 at 8:21 am (#)
Loving the info on this web site , you have done great job on the content .
November 15th, 2011 at 5:46 am (#)
Some times its a pain in the ass to read what people wrote but this internet site is very user friendly!
November 16th, 2011 at 2:20 am (#)
Good write-up! Quite high-quality line separating “key phrase stuffing” and using which key phrase(s) in your name, description, H1, bullets, and paragraphs (alt text) on the home web page or various keywords on sub-pages. We normally try to use the major key phrase on the residence page regarding 5 occasions as effortlessly as achievable. Other keywords and phrases on sub-pages 2-3 and 2 times in weblogs. Nick any ideas on numbers. I perceive each and every site is different, but you even now need a road map and every single site still only has 1 landing web page.
November 26th, 2011 at 4:05 am (#)
Just wanna say that this is extremely helpful, Thanks for taking your time to write this.
December 7th, 2011 at 8:59 am (#)
I have noticed that clever real estate agents all around you are getting set to FSBO Promotion. They are knowing that it’s in addition to placing a sign post in the front place. It’s really pertaining to building human relationships with these traders who later will become purchasers. So, while you give your time and effort to assisting these traders go it alone – the “Law of Reciprocity” kicks in. Good blog post.
January 14th, 2012 at 4:19 pm (#)
Thanks for this grand post, I am glad I noticed this website on yahoo.
March 9th, 2012 at 9:23 am (#)
The things i have usually told persons is that when evaluating a good internet electronics shop, there are a few issues that you have to take into account. First and foremost, you need to make sure to choose a reputable and also reliable store that has gotten great critiques and rankings from other shoppers and market sector advisors. This will make sure that you are getting through with a well-known store that delivers good service and help to the patrons. Thanks for sharing your opinions on this blog site.
March 15th, 2012 at 5:49 am (#)
Hi there! Lengthy ago i want to give you a huge thumbs up for the fantastic information you have acquired right here within this posting. We are heading back in your web site to obtain additional soon.
March 21st, 2012 at 9:10 am (#)
I am glad to be one of several visitors on this outstanding site (:, regards for posting .
March 23rd, 2012 at 1:38 pm (#)
Outstanding post, you have pointed out some wonderful details , I besides think this s a very superb website.
March 24th, 2012 at 8:20 am (#)
As I website possessor I believe the content here is very fantastic , thankyou for your efforts.
March 31st, 2012 at 12:22 am (#)
Genuinely it’s known as Search engine marketing that when i search for this piece of writing I found this web site at the top of all blogs in search engine.
April 4th, 2012 at 8:38 am (#)
Dead composed written content , Really enjoyed examining .
April 22nd, 2012 at 1:09 am (#)
When someone writes an paragraph he/she retains the thought of a user in his/her mind that how a user can be aware of it. Thus that’s why this article is amazing. Thanks!
June 11th, 2012 at 8:36 pm (#)
Nice post at Bite Mark Evidence | ScienCentral | Science Videos | Science News. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful information specifically the last part
I care for such information much. I was seeking this particular information for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.
July 25th, 2012 at 10:16 am (#)
Some really interesting details you have written. Aided me a lot, just what I was looking for : D.
September 30th, 2012 at 4:26 am (#)
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
October 11th, 2012 at 10:27 pm (#)
Computer programmers these days are earning a lot because of the boom of internet applications. ,*”.;
Have a look at our new web blog as well
http://www.foodsupplementdigest.com/questions-and-answers-regarding-melatonin/
December 9th, 2012 at 10:22 am (#)
Computer programmers can really enjoy some high salary these days. -
<a href=”The latest blog post provided by our personal internet site
http://www.healthmedicinelab.com/heartburn-relief/
January 12th, 2013 at 1:20 pm (#)
Unquestionably believe that which you stated.
Your favorite reason appeared to be on the net the easiest thing to be aware of.
I say to you, I certainly get irked while people think about worries that they plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
January 14th, 2013 at 11:56 am (#)
forensic science is a very interesting subject, i really love to become a CSI agent.`
Look at the newest post on our very own web blog
http://www.homeimprovementstuffs.com/120mm-fan/
January 15th, 2013 at 6:14 pm (#)
I think everything posted made a great deal of sense.
However, what about this? what if you added a little information?
I am not saying your information is not good, but what if you
added a headline that makes people desire more?
I mean Bite Mark Evidence | ScienCentral | Science Videos | Science
News is kinda plain. You should glance at Yahoo’s front page and watch how they write news titles to grab viewers interested. You might try adding a video or a picture or two to grab readers interested about everything’ve written.
In my opinion, it could bring your blog a little livelier.
April 22nd, 2013 at 6:17 am (#)
Symptoms most associated with Xeroderma (dry skin) are scaling,
which is the visible peeling of the outer skin layer, itching and cracks in the skin.
However, coconut oil is an age-old natural product with a longstanding
history of top results. Coconut oil for skin health will make your skin smoother and softer
than you could have dreamed possible.
May 17th, 2013 at 11:41 am (#)
Part of the reason for the steep climb in popularity with Tamanu oil is because of cicatrisation.
There is no better way of making this happen than doing it naturally.
It has a high content of lauric and myristic acids which have a melting point relatively
close to the human body temperature.
June 3rd, 2013 at 9:25 am (#)
Wow, marvelous blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is great, as well as the content!. Thanks For Your article about Bite Mark Evidence | ScienCentral | Science Videos | Science News .
June 7th, 2013 at 12:26 am (#)
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is magnificent, let alone the content!. Thanks For Your article about Bite Mark Evidence | ScienCentral | Science Videos | Science News .
June 14th, 2013 at 4:51 am (#)
Wow, fantastic blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is great, let alone the content!. Thanks For Your article about Bite Mark Evidence | ScienCentral | Science Videos | Science News .
June 20th, 2013 at 11:29 am (#)
Wow, marvelous blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is excellent, let alone the content!. Thanks For Your article about Bite Mark Evidence | ScienCentral | Science Videos | Science News .
June 21st, 2013 at 2:41 am (#)
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is magnificent, as well as the content!. Thanks For Your article about Bite Mark Evidence | ScienCentral | Science Videos | Science News .
June 30th, 2013 at 5:01 pm (#)
Wow, fantastic blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is great, as well as the content!. Thanks For Your article about Bite Mark Evidence | ScienCentral | Science Videos | Science News .
July 17th, 2013 at 9:56 am (#)
Triple Chance spielen ist eine berühmte Spiel von Merkur, die eine der größten Slot-Hersteller der Welt ist. Merkur hat beliebten Slots wie Endless Summer, Amazonien, Honey Bee, Jokers Cap, Cash Fruits, Hot Frootastic, Blazing Star usw von denen die meisten die online verfügbar sind für das Spielen produziert. Merkur ist ganz in Sachen Online-Gaming vertraut.
February 10th, 2014 at 11:24 am (#)
Mercury Free: Not placing any new amalgam fillings.
These symptoms if its gum disease will need to be treated, and then they will be able to look into implants for you.
It was estimated that in the year 2010, dental
sales representatives earned around $40, 547 and $80,319.
May 5th, 2014 at 3:00 am (#)
Hi! I’ve been reading your weblog for a long time now
and finally ggot the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out
freom Lubbock Tx! Just wanted to saay keep up the excellent job!
August 1st, 2014 at 8:34 am (#)
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be
actually something that I think I would never understand. It
seems too complex and very broad for me. I’m looking
forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of
it!
Take a look at my webpage – google
September 22nd, 2014 at 12:07 pm (#)
With over 20 cam package deals to pick from, half of them HD, shoots of any
kind of size can be taken care of, from a two-man ENG team to a 25-person multi-camera production. Whether
it’s a field shoot or an internal shoot in our fully-equipped two chroma vital insert
centers with seamless hard Cyc’s and fiber connectivity using Vyyx for
live gos as well as SMT’s, our solutions are limitless.
November 11th, 2014 at 11:16 pm (#)
My partner and I stumbled ove here coming from a different web address
and thought I should check things out. I like what I see so i aam just following you.
Look forward to looking at your web page repeatedly.
My web-site IC Strategy
March 8th, 2015 at 11:16 pm (#)
Hey very cool site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds also?I’m satisfied to seek out a lot of useful info right here within the publish, we want develop extra techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .