© Interpol
Following last week's shocking discovery of three skulls found in a bag in Bertrange, the primary question now is about their identity. Experts consulted by our colleagues at RTL suggest that dental analysis could provide critical insights for identification purposes.
Chilling headlines surfaced last week when construction workers made a grim discovery in an abandoned house in Bertrange. Despite the involvement of the public prosecutor, judicial police, and the National Health Laboratory (LNS), who are examining the skulls, answers to the pressing questions of "who, why, and where" remain elusive.
Nonetheless, there are various methods to identify human remains, including dental analyses.
© Interpol
Dental forensics is a field where forensic scientists specialize in identifying human remains through teeth. This work includes determining age, analyzing bite marks in cases of child abuse or crime, and even rectifying dental work. Experts can help identify bodies by putting names and ages to remains, or assist in criminal investigations where teeth link to either a perpetrator or victim.
Our colleague Dan Wiroth spoke with Dr. Armin Farid, a globally recognized dental forensics expert with Interpol.
His expertise is entirely based on dental analysis, from which a wealth of information can be obtained.
According to Dr. Farid, several factors are crucial for identifying a person:
"The primary identification methods are fingerprints, DNA, and dental records, as these are highly individual. Secondary identifiers include piercings, tattoos, or surgical implants like titanium screws. Ideally, at least one primary identifier is necessary, though having all three is best."
In the Bertrange case, he explains: "When analyzing a skull, we would likely use X-rays to assess how many teeth remain, particularly focusing on wisdom teeth to estimate age. Additionally, tooth wear can offer insights into whether the person was older or younger."
Dr. Farid also notes that dental features like bridges and fillings aid identification, assuming the skulls aren't too old. These features can reveal origin or age based on materials used, like concrete or gold fillings in certain regions. However, a comparative reference is still required for a proper match.
When asked whether teeth can date the remains, he clarifies that teeth alone won't provide such precise information. In cases like this, forensic anthropologists might offer more insights.
Ultimately, answers about the Bertrange skulls will only come after LNS concludes its analyses, though they have yet to comment due to the confidentiality of the investigation.
