Volume 69, Issue 5 pp. 1604-1619
ORIGINAL PAPER

Advances in commingled human remains analysis between 2014 and 2023

Andrea Palmiotto PhD, RPA, D-ABFA

Corresponding Author

Andrea Palmiotto PhD, RPA, D-ABFA

Department of Anthropology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA

Correspondence

Andrea Palmiotto, Department of Anthropology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 411 North Walk, Indiana, PA 15701, USA.

Email: [email protected]

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Heli Maijanen PhD, FT

Heli Maijanen PhD, FT

Department of History, Culture, and Communication Studies, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland

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Carrie B. LeGarde MA

Carrie B. LeGarde MA

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Offutt AFB, Nebraska, USA

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Megan Ingvoldstad PhD, D-ABFA

Megan Ingvoldstad PhD, D-ABFA

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Offutt AFB, Nebraska, USA

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First published: 10 December 2023
Citations: 2

Presented in part at the 2023 Annual Scientific Conference of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, February 13-18, 2023, in Orlando, FL.

Abstract

This study reviews recent advances in osteometric, genetic, geochemical, and digital modeling applications since 2014 to demonstrate the expanded range of analyses and skeletal elements that can be used to separate individuals from commingled contexts. While traditional methods remain foundational to commingling resolution, new advances allow increased individuation, identification of human versus non-human remains, and an amplified scale of assemblages that can be analyzed. This summary offers ways for practitioners to consider the juxtaposition of analytical goals, time, financial concerns, and methods when managing commingled assemblages. Forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology case studies illustrate differences related to application of methods in terms of recovery environments, project goals, and recovered materials. Whether the goal is to isolate and individuate only major elements or as many bones as possible, in nearly all cases, it is best practice to combine several types of methods to fulfill the project scope within the established parameters. This review can help practitioners identify the most appropriate analytical protocols and methods for their projects.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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