title: Novel application of three-dimensional technologies in a case of dismemberment.
abstract: This case study reports the novel application of three-dimensional technologies such as micro-CT and 3D printing to the forensic investigation of a complex case of dismemberment. Micro-CT was successfully employed to virtually align severed skeletal elements found in different locations, analyse tool marks created during the dismemberment process, and virtually dissect a charred piece of evidence. High resolution 3D prints of the burnt human bone contained within were created for physical visualisation to assist the investigation team. Micro-CT as a forensic radiological method provided vital information and the basis for visualisation both during the investigation and in the subsequent trial making it one of the first examples of such technology in a UK court.
authors.affiliation: Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), International Manufacturing Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, England, United Kingdom. Electronic address: v.baier@warwick.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Waltraud
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Baier
authors.affiliation: Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), International Manufacturing Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, England, United Kingdom. Electronic address: daniel.norman@warwick.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Danielle G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Norman
authors.affiliation: Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), International Manufacturing Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, England, United Kingdom. Electronic address: j.m.warnett@warwick.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Jason M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Warnett
authors.affiliation: West Midlands Police, Police Headquarters, Lloyd House, Colmore Circus, Birmingham B4 6NQ, England, United Kingdom. Electronic address: m.payne@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Payne
authors.affiliation: West Midlands Police, Police Headquarters, Lloyd House, Colmore Circus, Birmingham B4 6NQ, England, United Kingdom. Electronic address: n.p.harrison@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk.
authors.forename: Nigel P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.affiliation: Home Office Pathology Unit, 1st Floor Peel Building, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF, England, United Kingdom. Electronic address: nickhunt@forensicpathologyservices.co.uk.
authors.forename: Nicholas C A
authors.initials: NCA
authors.lastname: Hunt
authors.affiliation: West Midlands Surgical Training Centre, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV2 2DX, England, United Kingdom. Electronic address: brian.burnett@uhcw.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Brian A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Burnett
authors.affiliation: Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), International Manufacturing Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, England, United Kingdom. Electronic address: m.a.williams.1@warwick.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D002056:Burns / Q000473:pathology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D056146:Corpse Dismemberment; D005390:Fires; D044707:Forensic Sciences / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography
keywords: 3D printing; Dismemberment; Micro-CT; Police investigation; Tool marks