Identification of a female murder victim found in Burgenland, Austria in 1993

Abstract

In 1993, the skeletal remains of a female corpse were found in Burgenland, Austria. Initial identification of the approximately 25–35-year-old female appeared impossible, but the case was reopened 23 years later. By applying biogeochemical isotope methods to her body tissues, the geographical origin of the unknown corpse could be predicted. The results of the C, N, S, H, Sr, and Pb isotope analyses suggested that the female did not originate from Europe and most likely spent her youth in the northern Caribbean. Using these findings, the police were able to identify the woman within 2 weeks. The female came from the Dominican Republic and resided in Austria for only a short period before she was murdered. This case shows that isotope biogeochemistry investigations can provide the police with crucial information that enables unknown persons to be identified. Keypoints C-N-S-H and Sr-Pb isotope analyses were applied to human remains associated with a cold case. It was possible to determine the region of origin of the unknown deceased individual as the northern Caribbean. After 23 years, the murder victim was successfully identified.

Keywords

• forensic sciences
• forensic anthropology
• human identification
• provenance
• stable isotope analysis
• bio-elements
• geo-elements