Improving forensic identification of unknown Native and Hispanic Americans: results, progress, and future endeavors

Description:
The biological profile is fundamental to the work of forensic anthropologists. This includes estimation methods for sex, age, ancestry, and stature, developed by comparing information from unknown humans remains to data from known reference samples. Unfortunately, for some groups, reference samples are small or temporally inappropriate, making their use ineffective. Currently, due to poor reference samples, neither accurate estimation of population affinity nor precise stature estimation is possible for Native American (NA) or Hispanic American (HA) populations. The goal of this research is to create a known reference sample of NA and HA individuals against which forensic anthropologists can compare cranial and skeletal measurements. Data from the New Mexico Decedent Image Database (NMDID; n = 1500) is being collected, including 500 individuals from NA and HA groups. A 2020 pilot study demonstrated that there is a great deal of variation within these population groups such that it is likely that it will be possible to discern NA from HA with these data. Methods include the development of a custom and novel artificial intelligence module to improve speed, accuracy, and precision of placing cranial landmarks using virtual osteological samples. This module speeds data collection, allowing for larger sample sizes. Additionally, long bone length measurements have been collected and used to develop the first ever stature estimation equations for contemporary NA groups. This project will produce impactful results by improving several aspects of the biological profile for NA and HA groups in the American Southwest. The data generated here will be comparable to larger datasets of other American populational groups and serve as a valuable tool for future research into methodological development and forensic casework involving these groups.