Citation

Lew EO, Bannach B, Rodriguez WC. J. Forensic Sci. 1996; 41(5): 887-890.

Affiliation

Dade County Medical Examiner Dept., Miami, FL 33136-1133, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, American Society for Testing and Materials, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8789852

Abstract

Backed-up toilets lead to the discovery of a skeleton in the septic tank. Our challenges began with the excavation of this unconventional grave and progressed through recovery and examination of the skeleton, determination of the cause and manner of death, and ultimately, identification of the victim. Main aspects of the septic tank system are summarized, including functional theory, physical design and components, and general comments on use and maintenance. We discuss some basic principles applicable to the excavation and examination of any human skeletal remains, and offer a general approach to identification of the decedent.

Language: en