Inmates beheaded in a Brazil prison riot: Human identification by ear individual signs

Abstract

Deaths that occur in prisons riots can be by extreme violence. When unrecognizable corpses are referred for examination, the process of human identification is hampered. The aim of this study is to present applicability in human identification by ear individual signs in an inmate beheaded in Brazil prison riot. Ten prisoners died in the rebellion being discussed. Seven corpses had been burned, and three of them were beheaded. For the examination, only two heads were presented. Three families were consulted. They informed that suspect 1 had a “front tooth failure” in the anterior maxilla and no dental records, while a second family brought a panoramic radiograph (suspect 2) and the last family (suspect 3) sent one photograph. Suspects 2 and 3 were considered incompatible. Information about suspect 1, such as “front tooth failure” in the anterior maxilla and anthropological facial aspects, provided compatibles clues. The absence of dental documentation stimulated the search for other characteristics conserved in the head under study. The left ear presented good conservation for a comparative method. Morphological ear variations enabled identification to be achieved for an inmate beheaded in a prison riot, demonstrating the method's applicability and reliability. The certainty of the death of a relative allows the normal grief process to start, decreasing psychological morbidity. Mixed feelings between hope and despair are reduced. Therefore, this is a high priority for forensic experts in these cases.