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Identification of War Victims From Mass Graves in Croatia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina by the Use of Standard Forensic Methods and DNA Typing

NCJ Number
165768
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 41 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1996) Pages: 891-894
Author(s)
D Primorac; S Andelinovic; M Definis-Gojanovic; I Drmic; B Rezic; M M Baden; M A Kennedy; M S Schanfield; S B Skakel; H C Lee
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Postmortem remains of 61 war victims were excavated from six mass graves in Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.5 years after interment.
Abstract
Samples of long bones and teeth were collected for DNA analysis at the time of autopsy. Using standard identification methods, including the matching of medical and dental records, the recognition of distinguishing characteristics such as the use of clothing and belongings, and video superimposition, 35 persons were identified. DNA typing was performed, and results from DNA typing were confirmed by other methods. It was found that all remains were in an advanced state of decomposition. DNA profiles of family members of 150 missing persons are being developed, and the DNA profiles will be compared with those generated from bone and teeth remains of 26 unidentified victims. 15 references and 1 figure