Top Forensic Consultant
Dr. Snow is frequently contacted by district attorneys and criminal defense attorneys to review crime scene photos, autopsy reports and photos, and case files for upcoming trials.
By examining crime scene photos, he can often determine if the human remains recovery was conducted properly or if potential evidence was likely overlooked. Also, by examining crime scene photos he can often establish whether skeletal trauma observed at autopsy was caused perimortem or resulted from inadvertent damage during recovery.
Dr. Snow often examines autopsy reports and photos and case files to ensure that the remains are forensically significant and not historic in nature. While medical examiners are skilled in soft tissue autopsy, forensic anthropologists specialize in the analysis of skeletal remains. Dr. Snow has discovered perimortem trauma that was overlooked by medical examiners.
Specializing in Identifying:
Skeletal remains
Through examining features like dental records, pathologies, and bone morphology, Dr. Snow is able to estimate the individual’s age, sex, ancestry, and stature.
Decomposed remains
Decomposition results in the breakdown of tissues and organs. This happens through bacterial activity, insect infestation, and other environmental factors, leading to varying degrees of tissue loss, discoloration, and skeletonization.
Mummified remains
Mummified remains consist of a body that has undergone natural or artificial preservation, resulting in the dehydration of tissues and organs. They often retain a significant amount of skin, muscle, and other soft tissues, which can provide valuable information for forensic analysis.
Burned remains
Burned human remains refer to the skeletal and/or soft tissue remnants of a body that has been exposed to high temperatures from fire or other sources of intense heat. The extent of burning can vary, ranging from superficial charring to complete calcination.
Incomplete remains
Incomplete remains refers to situations where not all parts of the skeleton are present or preserved. Despite this, Dr. Snow uses the available bones to construct a biological profile, and identify the individual.
Fragmentary remains
When skeletal remains are broken into small pieces or fragments, rather than being intact, they are called fragmentary remains.
Dismembered remains
A body with dismembered remains can be a result of criminal activity, accidents, or other traumatic events. It happens when the body has been deliberately separated into parts, usually through cutting or severing limbs, head, or other body sections.
Commingled remains
Commingled remains refers to a situation where the skeletal remains of multiple individuals are mixed together in a single context. This can occur due to mass disasters, mass graves, secondary burials, or other events where bodies are deposited in close proximity and become intermingled over time.