Identification of a disinterred grave by molecular and stable isotope analysis.

Abstract

Confirmation of a potential disinterred grave was sought by GC and GC/MS analyses of lipid extracts of whole soils and white particulate matter. Fatty acid profiles and concentrations determined for three of the soils correlated with the deposition of a large amount of exogenous organic matter, most likely adipocere and/or decomposed body fat. Determination of C16:0 and C18:0 fatty acid delta13C values by GC/C/IRMS revealed the input to be isotopically distinct from common British domesticated animals, plotting closely to values determined for adipose fat obtained from of a murder victim. By considering the difference between delta13C values (delta13C18:0-16:0) a potential isotopic proxy for identifying the source of adipocere (human) and adipose tissue was proposed.

• Authors: Ian D Bull, Robert Berstan, Arpad Vass, Richard P Evershed
• Journal: Science & justice : journal of the Forensic Science Society (Sci Justice) Vol. 49 Issue 2 Pg. 142-9 (Jun 2009) ISSN: 1355-0306 [Print] England
• PMID: 19606594 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Carbon Isotopes
• Fatty Acids
• Soil
• Hydrogen
• Nitrogen

Topics

• Adipose Tissue (chemistry)
• Animals
• Burial
• Carbon Isotopes (analysis)
• Fatty Acids (analysis)
• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (methods)
• Humans
• Hydrogen (analysis)
• Nitrogen (analysis)
• Soil (analysis)
• Soil Microbiology