Forensic Geology applied to the search for homicide graves

Authors

  • Roberta Somma Università degli Studi di Messina
  • Lerah Sutton University of Florida College of Medicine
  • Jason H. Byrd University of Florida College of Medicine

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1478/AAPP.101S1A5

Keywords:

Forensic Geology, Homicide Graves, Corpse Concealment, Ground Search

Abstract

The percentage of discoveries due to traditional and non-traditional searches for homicide graves is still meager in Italy. A critical exam of the scientific approaches followed by Italian law enforcements, in recent cases of unsuccessful ground searches for homicide graves, should be seriously done for evidencing the possible errors done. In order to assist law enforcements in the ground searches, the present research reports on: i) the appearance of a clandestine grave with the related main characteristics; ii) the factors influencing the choice of the burial site; iii) the modern approaches usable during ground search activities as proposed by UK experts; iv) the main results of remote sensing investigations and the Red-Amber-Green search prioritization system carried out for the search for three different clandestine graves.

Author Biographies

  • Roberta Somma, Università degli Studi di Messina
    Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche e Informatiche, Scienze Fisiche e Scienze della Terra, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres, 98166 Messina
  • Lerah Sutton, University of Florida College of Medicine
    Maples Center for Forensic Medicine, 4800 SW 35th Gainesville, FL 32608
  • Jason H. Byrd, University of Florida College of Medicine
    Maples Center for Forensic Medicine, 4800 SW 35th Gainesville, FL 32608

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Published

2023-09-12

Issue

Vol 101, SUPPL NO 1 (2023): Advances and Applications in Geoforensics: Unraveling Crimes with Geology

Section

Advances and Applications in Geoforensics: Unraveling Crimes with Geology (Conference Proceedings)

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