Personal identification on human remains through an holistic approach involving 3D morphometric analysis: a case report

The authors present a case of personal identification based on a multidisciplinary approach. Human remains of a head gunshot victim were recovered from the bottom of a well. Bones were analyzed and measured, and a morphometrical evaluation of race, gender, stature and age was carried out. Time since death was assessed through chemical analysis. Since the results were fitting with the identification hypothesis, a 3D avatar of the skull was obtained through a photogrammetric technique. A morphometric analysis of the superimposition between the skull and 2 photos of the alleged victim allowed the authors to confirm the personal identification.