Waltraud Baier

The University of Warwick · Warwick Manufacturing Group

This case study reports the advantages of micro-CT to aid the investigative process in a complex dismemberment case. Micro-CT was successfully implemented to scan all skeletal remains of a dismembered female. The digital models were utilized to (i) screen for any further injuries not related to the dismemberment, (ii) provide measurements from fals...

Cases of child abuse and homicide are amongst the biggest challenges investigators face, with complex evidence bases often strongly contested and reliant on specialist interpretation of the medical evidence. In many cases, this medical evidence includes examination of the deceased’s skeleton using different macroscopic and microscopic imaging metho...

Forensic application of 3D scanning and printing technology is gaining momentum with 3D printed evidence starting to be produced for court. However, the processes for creating these forensic 3D models for court requires still rigorous assessment to ensure they adhere to the relevant legal standards. Although, previous work has examined the accuracy...

Background False start analysis is the examination of incomplete saw marks created on bone in an effort to establish information on the saw that created them. The present study aims to use quantitative data from micro-CT cross-sections to predict the thickness of the saw blade used to create the mark. Random forest statistical models are utilised f...

The examination of strangulation is one of the most challenging causes of death diagnoses encountered in forensic pathology. The injuries are often subtle and difficult to detect, especially in cases that lack superficial marks. Fractures of the laryngeal skeleton are commonly regarded as evidence of strangulation but these can be too subtle to be...

Three‐dimensional scanning and documentation methods are becoming increasingly employed by law enforcement personnel for crime scene and accident scene recording. Three‐dimensional documentation of the victim's body in such cases is also increasingly used as the field of forensic radiology and imaging is expanding rapidly. These scanning technologi...

The examination of strangulation is one of the most challenging cause of death diagnoses encountered in forensic pathology. The injuries are often subtle and difficult to detect, especially in cases that lack superficial marks. Fractures of the laryngeal skeleton are commonly regarded as evidence of strangulation but these can be too subtle to be d...

Digital imaging techniques, post mortem CT ( in particular Baglivo et al 2013 are gaining increasing significance in medico legal death investigations Micro computed tomography (micro CT) is one such imaging modality but only gradually finds is use in forensic science as it is a rather recent addition to the toolkit It has, however, been proven to...

Forensic imaging technology has rapidly advanced over the past several decades and is gaining increasing significance in medico-legal death investigations. Medical-grade computed tomography (CT) is now routinely used in post-mortem examinations at numerous institutions across the globe. However, the resolution of medical-grade CT is limited and uns...

In toolmark analysis, microscopy techniques, such as micro-CT, are used to visualise and measure toolmarks left on bones by a tool. In dismemberment cases, properties such as the width of the saw mark can provide cues to which tool was used by the culprit. The aim of the current study was to establish whether; (i) micro-CT is an appropriate imaging...

The examination of strangulations is one of the most challenging cause of death diagnoses encountered in forensic pathology. The injuries are often subtle and difficult to detect, especially in cases that lack superficial marks. Fractures of the laryngeal skeleton are commonly regarded as evidence of strangulation but these can be too subtle to be...

Introduction: Strangulation is the second most common homicide method in the UK and the US but the diagnosis thereof has seen little change over the last decades. It still depends largely on the exclusion of other causes and is particularly challenging in cases lacking external signs. Damage to the laryngeal skeleton is often considered a sign of s...

This case report presents one of the first reported uses of a 3D printed exhibit in an English homicide trial, in which two defendants were accused of beating their victim to death. The investigation of this crime included a micro-CT scan of the victim's skull, which assisted the pathologist to determine the circumstances of the assault, in particu...

An author has corrected their first name and updated their email address — see the affiliation section. Daniel G. Norman should now be Danielle G. Norman as shown in the author information section.

This case study reports the novel application of three-dimensional technologies such as micro-CT and 3D printing to the forensic investigation of a complex case of dismemberment. Micro-CT was successfully employed to virtually align severed skeletal elements found in different locations, analyse tool marks created during the dismemberment process,...

The Criminal Justice System (CJS), including the police and their forensic departments, is currently experiencing significant changes aimed at creating a more effective and efficient service. This has led to the re evaluation and subsequent re structuring of its service provision, on occasion leading to the establishment of external partnerships as...

This paper presents the results of a preliminary study (conducted as part of an MSc thesis) exploring the use of structure-from-motion in the documentation of mass graves. Although based on a simulation approach, interesting results have been achieved which can be directly applied to a variety of forensic contexts, both in the field of forensic arc...

Methods for mass-grave documentation have changed markedly since the first forensic investigations nearly 70 years ago. Recently, however, there has been little advancement in developing new and better methodology, especially when compared to other forensic disciplines and even within traditional archaeology. This paper proposes a new approach, usi...