I just read an article that someone found a body of someone who was missing since 2018 and they were able to identify her as a missing teen. I have always been curious about the science of this.
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DNA, dental records, ID on the body, if the body is mummified more than decomposed stuff like tattoos survive, medical pins and joints all have IDs etched on them to name a few
There are many ways, but some involve comparing medical records to the evidence that’s left.
Say you’ve got s largely decomposed body. Bone structure says late twenties, early thirties female. Decomposition is largely complete, so not fresh. How have things around it (plants, etc) grown, as they can indicate when the body was left (full of roots, etc).
So now look at known missing persons that fit that sex, age, and timeline. Check their medical records for known damage. Broken bones, dental fillings, etc. If they match, likely that person.
DNA exists in bones, just a case of comparing records. Source: used to work for the Special Evidence Recovery & Imaging Service for a very large police service.
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