Integrated multidisciplinary expertise in human identification. A forensic case study

Abstract

The multidisciplinary work carried out by forensic sciences in the human identification process is becoming increasingly visible in the Venezuelan judicial system, especially when routine methods such as fingerprinting, or necrodactyloscopy, in the case of corpses, fail to provide answers due to the absence of skin—whether as a result of advanced decomposition or because the remains have been reduced to skeletal form. This makes the contribution of Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Dentistry essential, as these disciplines support the administration of justice in Venezuela. The above is systematized in relation to a forensic case studied from a multidisciplinary human identification perspective, in conjunction with criminal investigation, to clarify the analysis of skeletal evidence. It is concluded that intervention is fundamental to the investigation from the moment the body is found, as well as the comparison with data provided by the missing person's family. The investigation allowed for an effective response to the victim's family, proving that expert identification is effectively and efficiently constructed through multidisciplinary work. This serves as a solid scientific resource that highlights best practices in the response required from Venezuelan forensic sciences.