Researchers are suggesting a new method to enhance the identification of human remains by using craniofacial superimposition. This forensic technique involves comparing a skull (post-mortem) with photographs of the person’s face (ante-mortem) to help forensic experts make more objective decisions based on quantifiable probabilities of matching the skull with the photos.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Granada in collaboration with experts from the University of A Coruña and Panacea Cooperative Research demonstrates how craniofacial superimposition can lead to more objective decision-making in forensic identification processes.
Craniofacial superimposition is a valuable forensic tool that aids in identifying skeletal remains by superimposing an unidentified skull (post-mortem) onto facial photographs (ante-mortem) of missing individuals.
Despite its significance and wide application, this technique is intricate and challenging to execute. Various computerized methods have been suggested, but subjectivity and qualitative reporting still play a role in decision-making. The study introduces a system that evaluates evidence using likelihood ratios (LRs), a technique commonly utilized in other forensic disciplines like DNA, voice, and fingerprint analysis, endorsed by the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI).
This study innovatively applies the LR framework to craniofacial superimposition in three different experiments utilizing frontal, lateral, and combined facial images. The results show that the LR system is proficient in calibration and discriminative power across all experiments, providing a quantitative tool for specialists to evaluate and integrate evidence.
Although the current technique is based on synthetic data and requires testing with real data, the likelihood ratio system offers objective assistance for decision-making in craniofacial superimposition.
