ABSTRACT
It is generally accepted that the primary role for a forensic anthropologist in the investigation of any suspicious death is to assist with the identification of the remains. This usually manifests through the provision of a biological profile that can be utilized subsequently to search missing persons' databases or be released to the public in an attempt to secure the personal identity of the deceased. The anthropologist may also have views that can assist in reaching conclusions regarding both the manner and the chronological progression of criminal dismemberment as well as proffering an expert opinion on the likely experience of the perpetrator. The most frequent sites for dismemberment occur at junctional regions with the trunk: the neck, proximal humerus and proximal femur. Post-mortem processes including maceration can also cause changes that can obscure or change the cut marks and therefore should be undertaken with care by either suitably qualified and experienced practitioners or under the guidance of the same.
