DNA analysis for missing person identification in mass fatalities

304 Pages·2014·4.977 MB·English

by  Sozer, Amanda C

FORENSICS & CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Sozer DDNNAA AAnnaallyyssiiss
DNA Analysis for Missing Person Identification
in Mass Fatalities

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Advances in DNA technology have expanded such that forensic DNA profiling is now DD
considered a routine method for identifying victims of mass fatalities. Originating from
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an initiative funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of State, DNA Analysis for
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Missing Person Identification in Mass Fatalities presents a collection of training

modules that supply comprehensive instruction in these complex techniques. The book AA
begins with a concise overview of DNA analysis methods and their use in identifying nn
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victims of mass fatalities. It then goes on to explore:
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• Mass fatality response operations, including body recovery, mortuary operations,
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family assistance, the identification of human remains, and psychosocial support

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• Best practices in DNA sample collection and the different types of reference samples MM
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that can be used to identify a reported missing (RM) individual ii
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• Autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) DNA profile analysis and interpretation, ii
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and procedures to ensure data accuracy aa gg
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• Major steps involved in generating a DNA profile and the complex aspects of
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data analysis and interpretation itit rr
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• The importance of data management using information technology tools, ss
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and tips for maintaining quality operations
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• Accreditation and standards and the major elements of a DNA quality program ee
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• Setting up a laboratory operat ion, including planning, staffing, identifying types of tt
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equipment and supplies, and the procedures for ensuring that laboratory equipment ii
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The book includes a discussion of the key steps in the preparation, delivery, and evaluation ioio
of training sessions for personnel responding to a mass fatality human identification event. nn
It also provides a comprehensive vocabulary list with terms related to mass fatality DNA
identification. This text is a must-read for organizations contemplating the use of DNA in
human identification initiatives following mass fatalities. It is also a tremendous value to
emergency manager/planners, medical legal authorities, and forensic DNA laboratories.
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K14972_cover.indd 1 12/13/13 2:11 PM
DNA Analysis

for
Missing Person
Identification in
Mass Fatalities

DNA Analysis

for
Missing Person
Identification in
Mass Fatalities
Amanda C. Sozer, PhD
Boca Raton London New York
CRC Press is an imprint of the
Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business
CRC Press
Taylor & Francis Group
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Boca Raton, FL 33487-2742
© 2014 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
CRC Press is an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group, an Informa business
No claim to original U.S. Government works
Version Date: 20131119
International Standard Book Number-13: 978-1-4665-1428-7 (eBook - PDF)
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Contents
Preface xv
Acknowledgments xvii
About the Author xix
1 Human Identification through DNA Analysis 1
1.1 DNA 1
1.2 Types of DNA Analysis 2
1.2.1 Autosomal Short Tandem Repeats 2
1.2.2 Y-STR Haplotype 5
1.2.3 Mitochondrial Polymorphism 5
1.3 A History of DNA Profiling 8
1.4 Using DNA for Identification of Human Remains 9
1.5 The DNA Analysis Process 10
1.5.1 Organizing and Planning 11
1.5.2 Sample Selection and Collection 11
1.5.3 Extraction/Purification 12
1.5.4 Amplification 13
1.5.5 Data Generation/Analysis 14
1.5.6 Data Interpretation 15
1.5.7 Profile Comparison 16
1.5.8 Kinship Analysis 17
1.5.9 Reporting the Profile Matches 18
1.6 Explaining the DNA Process to Non-Technical Personnel 18
1.6.1 Common Questions 20
1.6.1.1 Why Identify the Remains? 20
1.6.1.2 How Is the Testing Done? 20
1.6.1.3 How Long Will the Process Take? 20
1.6.1.4 How Can I Help Identify My Loved One? 21
1.6.1.5 What Are the Sources of DNA Samples
that Can Be Used? 21
1.6.1.6 What Are Useful Sources of DNA from
the Victim? 21
1.6.1.7 How Can DNA from Relatives Be Used? 21
1.6.1.8 Why Might DNA Analysis Not Work? 21
1.6.1.9 How Much Will Testing Cost? 22
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vi Contents
1.6.1.10 Who Issues the DNA Identification
Reports? 22
1.6.1.11 Are There Any Guidelines for Using DNA? 22
1.6.1.12 Who Will Have Access to My DNA and
Profile? 22
Additional Resources 22
2 Mass Fatalities 23
2.1 Definition of a Mass Fatality 23
2.2 Jurisdictional Issues 23
2.3 Causes of Mass Fatality Incidents 25
2.4 Mass Fatality Response Overview 27
2.4.1 Field Operations/Body Recovery 28
2.4.2 Morgue Operations 28
2.4.3 Reporting the Missing and Presumed Deceased 29
2.4.4 Collection of Antemortem Information about
the Deceased 30
2.4.5 Comparison of Antemortem and Postmortem
Information 31
2.5 Managing the Mass Fatality Response Operations 31
2.6 Factors Impacting a Mass Fatality Response 32
2.6.1 Closed versus Open Events 32
2.6.2 Number of Deceased 33
2.6.3 Rate of Recovery 34
2.6.4 Condition of Human Remains 35
2.6.5 Fragmentation 35
2.6.6 Decomposition 35
2.6.7 Commingling 36
2.7 Finances and Politics 36
2.8 Availability of Antemortem Records and DNA
Reference Samples 37
Additional Resources 37
3 Postmortem Functions—Body Recovery and
Morgue Operations 39
3.1 Field Operations (Body Recovery) 39
3.1.1 Locating Remains 39
3.1.2 Personnel 41
3.1.3 Health and Safety Concerns 43
3.1.3.1 Mass Graves 44
3.1.3.2 Environmental Hazards 44
3.1.3.3 Families On-Site 44
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Contents vii
3.1.4 Assessing a Disaster Site 44
3.1.5 Documentation 45
3.1.5.1 Other Field Documentation 46
3.1.5.2 Associated and Unassociated Property 46
3.1.6 Removal of Remains 47
3.1.6.1 Mass Graves 48
3.1.6.2 Commingled Remains 48
3.1.6.3 Personal Items 48
3.1.6.4 Chain of Custody 48
3.1.7 Transportation and Storage 48
3.2 Morgue Operations 49
3.2.1 Personnel 49
3.2.2 Safety 51
3.2.3 Numbering the Human Remains 51
3.2.4 Morgue Examinations 52
3.2.4.1 Photography 54
3.2.4.2 Forensic Pathology 54
3.2.4.3 Body Radiography 54
3.2.4.4 Fingerprints 55
3.2.4.5 Dental 55
3.2.4.6 Forensic Anthropology 55
3.2.4.7 DNA 56
3.2.4.8 Administrative 56
3.2.5 Documentation 56
3.2.5.1 Data Management 57
Additional Resources 58
Attachment A 58
Attachment B 58
4 Antemortem Functions—Family Assistance
Operations 73
4.1 Function of Family Assistance Operations 73
4.2 Personnel 74
4.3 Creating a Reported Missing Case 75
4.4 Antemortem Information 76
4.5 Information Technology Support 76
4.6 Providing Information to the Public 78
4.7 Financial Assistance 79
4.8 Notification and Release 79
4.9 Grief Support 79
4.10 Family Assistance Centers (FACs) 80
4.10.1 Reception 80
© 2010 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
viii Contents
4.10.2 Child Care/Play Area 80
4.10.3 Private Meeting Rooms 81
4.10.4 Office Space for FAC Staff 81
4.10.5 Nutritional Services 81
4.10.6 Quiet Room 81
4.10.7 Communications Center 81
4.10.8 Security 81
4.10.9 Medical Care 82
4.10.10 DNA Operations 82
4.11 Family Assistance Operations Relationship with the
Morgue 82
Additional Resources 83
Attachment A 83
5 Identification of Remains 93
5.1 Identification 93
5.2 Types of Identification 94
5.2.1 Tentative Identification 94
5.2.2 Presumptive Identification 94
5.2.3 Positive Identification 95
5.3 Identification of Bodies 96
5.3.1 Appropriate Personnel 96
5.3.2 Identification Standards and Guidelines 97
5.4 Presentation and Review of Proposed Identification 97
5.5 Acceptance/Authorization of Identification 98
5.6 Family Notification of Identification 98
5.7 Release of Remains and Personal Property 99
Additional Resources 99
Attachment A 100
Attachment B 101
6 Identification and Collection of Biological
Samples from Human Remains 103
6.1 Special Considerations for Sample Collections 103
6.2 Determining the Best Sample to Collect 104
6.2.1 Ease of Sample Collection 105
6.2.2 Ease of DNA Profiling 106
6.2.3 DNA Profiling Success 107
6.3 Collecting Multiple Samples 108
6.4 Establishing DNA Sample Protocol 108
6.4.1 Order of Sample Preference and Sample Quantity 110
6.4.2 Safety Precautions and Contamination Issues 110
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Contents ix
6.4.3 Packaging, Labeling, and Storage 111
Additional Resources 113
7 Identification and Collection of DNA Reference
Samples 115
7.1 The Reported Missing 115
7.2 Chain of Custody 116
7.3 Reference Sample Types 117
7.3.1 Direct References 117
7.3.2 Personal Items 118
7.3.3 Family References/Kinship Samples 120
7.4 Pedigree 121
7.5 Scheduling Collections 123
7.6 Collecting Kinship Samples 123
Additional Resources 125
8 Application of DNA Technology for Human
Identification 127
8.1 DNA Profiling Process Overview 127
8.1.1 Sample Receipt and Accessioning 128
8.1.2 Aliquotting and Sample Evaluation 129
8.1.3 Preparation of the Sample 130
8.1.4 DNA Extraction Methods 130
8.2 DNA Extract Assessment 130
8.3 Amplification Strategies and Considerations 131
8.3.1 General Considerations 131
8.4 DNA Separation and DNA Profile Generation 133
8.4.1 DNA Profile Generation 133
8.5 Emerging DNA Technologies 133
8.6 Duplicate Testing and Profile Verification 134
8.7 Options for Testing 134
8.7.1 Selecting a Laboratory 134
Additional Resources 136
Attachment A 137
9 DNA Profile Analysis and Interpretation 147
9.1 Parameters for Acceptable DNA STR Profiles 147
9.1.1 Allele Sizing 148
9.1.2 Peak Morphology 150
9.1.2.1 Spurious Peaks (Background, Stutter,
Dye Blobs, Spikes, –A, Pull-Up) 150
© 2010 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC