Identification of a Severely Decomposed Body by Dental DNA STR Analysis: A Case Report

Abstract

Of all human DNA sources, teeth are extremely resistant to environmental factors like cremation, drenching, trauma, mutilation and deterioration. Therefore, they constitute an astonishing sourceof DNA material. The present case study highlights the great effectiveness of dental DNA in identifying a highly decomposed and extremely fragile skeletonized drowned body with severe craniofacial fractures. Identification was achieved by paternity testing and positively establishing the car used in the crime as the murder vehicle by isolating DNA from the bloodstains present in the car.This study also emphasized the dire need to create a DNA database for Indian populations for conclusion of quick results.