REFERENCE: Davenport, G. C., France, D. L., Griffin, T. J., Swanburg, J. G., Lindemann, J. W., Tranunell, V., Armbrust, C. T., Kondrateiff, B., Nelson, A., Castellano, K., and Hopkins, D., "A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Detection of Clandestine Graves," Journal of Forensic Sciences, JFSCA. VOL. 37, NO. 6, November 1992, pp. 1445-1458.

ABSTRACT

A multidisciplinary team that is comprised of professionals from industry, academia, and law enforcement who are studying methods to locate clandestine graves has been formed in Colorado. This article describes this team, research conducted, and preliminary results directed toward identifying the most effective means of locating buried bodies.

KEYWORDS: forensic science, clandestine graves

Introduction

In 1986, Colorado law enforcement officials were presented with the following situation: approximately a dozen bodies were according to rumor and stated by an informant, buried over several square kilometers on a large ranch on the eastern Colorado plains. These bodies were allegedly interred over the course of several years. How could law enforcement best approach the problem of location, evaluation, and exhumation of a clandestine grave in such a manner as to preserve evidence and maximize its eventual use in a court of law?

The above incident was a catalyst for the formation of Project PIG ("Pigs In Ground"), because of the limitations found with the traditional methods in the location and excavation of clandestine graves. Although a few graves were found on the eastern Colorado ranch, it is believed that additional bodies are still undiscovered, so the techniques learned from the study described herein are expected to produce additional discoveries if the search on this ranch is reconvened. Project PIG continues to evolve as a research project designed to investigate methods and technologies that will prove even more effective in locating clandestine graves and recovering the contents. The study addresses the applicability of techniques and methodologies in identifying, monitoring, and where possible, quantifying the changes in the clandestine grave system. This system as defined by the authors is the dynamic interrelationship among the grave, its contents and total surroundings (see glossary for additional terms).

Project PIG involves professionals from academia, industry, and law enforcement assembled to share methodology, data, and information. To this end, a resource bank of interested specialists, has been established and continues to be updated to facilitate intercommunication relating to clandestine graves.

The purpose of this article is twofold:

1. to share the results of the in-progress study being conducted in Colorado, and

2. to encourage similar studies in other geographical areas and climates.

It is hoped that this article will encourage other professionals to cross those real or imagined barriers segregating their specialized fields of interest, and to pool knowledge, skills, and techniques in addressing the detection of clandestine graves.

Background

Only a few studies listed in the literature concentrate on multidisciplinary methods directed toward the location of buried human remains. The Boyd [I ], Imaizumi [2], Andermac [31, and Bass and Birkby [4] (which also offers the rationale behind proper excavation techniques) studies offer overviews of some of the techniques also used in the PIG research. The most recent publication offering a comprehensive survey in search techniques is by Killam [5].

Although no group has undertaken a study of as many multidisciplinary techniques as presented in the Project PIG research, many articles address individual methods for locating clandestine graves. Davenport et al., [6,7] discuss the ways in which geoscientists work with law enforcement, while Hoving [8] describes the use of a small ground penetrating radar (GPR) unit for locating buried bodies.

Other studies have used pigs to research individual aspects of clandestine grave systems. Haglund et al. [9-1 1 ] and Haskel have studied the scavenging and scatter patterns of pig and human remains. Haskel in addition, researched decay processes.

The role of insects and other arthropods in the decay process of human remains has been reviewed by Nuorteva [12] and Smith [13]. Studies using unembalmed cadavers or pigs have elucidated a specific succession of arthropods and the resulting decompositional process [14-19]. Rodriguez and Bass [20] have addressed entomological methods and their relationship to depth of burial and local climatic conditions. Tolburst and Reed [2 1 ] present information in the training and use of dogs for locating shallow graves.

In an effort to enhance a multidisciplinary approach, many techniques for clandestine grave-site location are being applied at a research area in Colorado. Preliminary results of the study were reported at the May 1989 conference in Denver of the Rocky Mountain Division of the International Association for Identification.

Currently the Project PIG team consists of experts in crime scene and laboratory analysis, aerial photography, thermal imagery, geology and pedology, geophysics, geochemistry, petrology, botany, entomology, wildlife biology, scent-detection dogs, archaeology, and forensic anthropology.

MATERIALS

The primary research site is located on the Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Training Facility in Douglas County, Colorado, approximately 29 km (I 8 miles) south of Denver. As part of a 0.47 square km (I 17 acre) law enforcement training facility, it offers an area of controlled access. The training facility occupies a west-flowing drainage that feeds Plum Creek, a major tributary of the South Platte River. Elevation at the site averages 1829 meters (6000 feet) above sea level. The research site is on undeveloped ranch land that borders the western edge of Daniels Park, one of the parks of the Denver Mountain Parks system. Topographically the country surrounding the training facility consists of gently rolling, brush-covered uplands that change into partially developed badlands and low mesa topography with increasing elevation. The upper slopes of the badlands/mesa country support stands of conifer.

To date, six pigs have been buried at the research site. Their weights, burial information, gravesite descriptions, and other pertinent information are listed in Table 1.

Pigs are currently being used for two reasons. At present, human cadavers are unavailable for studies of this kind in Colorado. Also, these pigs are similar to humans in their weight (70 kg or 154 lb), their fat-to-muscle ratio, and in the fact that their skin is not heavily haired. Pigs have been considered to be biochemically and physiologically similar enough to humans to be used in studies of patterns and rates of decay and scavenging [22-251. Of equal importance, dog handlers recognize that if a dog can detect pig remains, it can also detect human remains.

METHODS

Prior to burial of the first pig in September of 1988, baseline data consisting of black and white aerial photographs, geophysical measurements, and geological observations, were acquired for the research site.

Near-field and far field data gathering were performed prior to and after burial. The definitions of near- and far-field are dependent on the specific discipline, in that nearfield refers to anything that is interacting, within the burial system, while far-field is outside of the range of influence of the burial system. For example, measurements of soil gas may only be above background levels within a few centimeters of a burial, whereas arthropod activity related to a burial may cover a much broader area.

Far-field observations contemporaneous with burial for this study include botany, entomology, geology/pedology, aerial photography, geophysics, thermal imagery, soil gas, scavenging patterns, and the use of cadaver-scenting, dogs. Near-field observations contemporaneous with and after burial include all of the above. A disturbance is a physical disruption associated with burial processes. A control site is undisturbed both at the surface and subsurface, and therefore is remote from the burial site. A calibration pit is a grave without an interred pig, while a grave contains a pig. Back dirt is excess soil deposited near the perimeter of the grave or calibration pit. It is understood that there are disturbances geographically close to the burial system but still identified as far-field in that they are not part of the burial process, for example roads, animal burrows, building foundations, etc.

Aerial Photography

Aerial photography was performed far-field, in an attempt to identify nearfield parameters from the air. Aerial photographic surveying was performed on a periodic basis, consisting of both visible spectrum color and black and white film. A turbo-charged. Cessna 206 Aircraft containing two Zeiss RMK/A 15-23 aerial cameras and one KA-2 12-inch aerial camera were used. Film types used are Kodak Aerocolor negative type 2445, Kodak infrared color film type 2443, and Kodak black and white XX film type 2405. This provides standard 9 inch by 9 inch stereophoto coverage.

GeologylPedology

The purpose of the geologic investigation at the Project PIG site was to define the geologic character of the site, to relate this character to the individual burial sites, to establish site recognition and evaluation parameters, and to suggest lines of future geologic study and investigation.

Literature research and far-field studies were performed to establish the geologic character and stratigraphic setting of the project site. This involved definition of rock types, establishment of the age relationships among the rock types, and the evaluation of the effect of rock type on subsequent soil formation. Far-field studies also involved relating the physical character (geomorphology) of the project area to the distribution of underlying rock types (stratigraphy).

The near-field studies on the sites and the related far-field studies focused on the definition of soil profiles at specific burial sites, road cuts, and other excavations; the relationship of these soil profiles to the parent rock units; and how soil composition and character affects the recovery of a soil profile to a "normal" state. All burial sites have been and continue to be monitored and photographed to document the recovery of the soil profiles.

Botany

As part of the far-field study of vegetation, percent area cover for bare soil (back dirt), litter, and herbaceous vegetation was estimated, and a total species list was prepared listing the plants found within the training facility.

Near-field study of vegetation included listing the plants growing on each grave, calibration pit and back dirt area. For the near-field study, a 1 -meter by 0.5-meter rectangle of PVC pipe was set at the approximate center of the test plot (grave, control pit, etc.) and vegetation was analyzed from within that test plot. Far-field study was tested in the same manner, with the 1 meter by 0.5-meter rectangle of PVC pipe set at various areas away from the test plots. The areas for far-field study are not the same for each test, but are taken approximately at random within the training facility in the general vicinity of the test plots. Frequency of species was determined by counting the number of rectangular plots on which a particular plant species was found. For example, Wheat grass was found on four disturbed plots (either a grave or calibration pit) and on two undisturbed sites, while Sunsedge was found on no disturbed sites and on three undisturbed sites.

After the pigs were scavenged from Sites #1, 2, and 5, members of the team decided to cover the unscavenged grave sites with heavy chain link fencing to protect those graves from further scavenging. Although vegetation on the grave is potentially altered, some plant growth is allowed, and the fencing can be easily removed for near-field investigations such as geophysical surveying.

Entomology

A control site was established to examine the airborne and surface insects. A BioQuip Malaise trap was erected to monitor aerial dispersing insects, and was cleaned of all insects 1, 2, 4, 7, 12, 15, 25, and 30 days after pigs were buried. In addition, this type of trap was erected directly over burial site # I and cleaned of all insects at the above schedule. Additionally, five pit traps were placed around the site to sample surface dispersing arthropods, and were monitored and cleaned at the above schedule.

Geophysics

Three specific geophysical methods were selected for evaluation at the PIG site: magnetics (MAG), electromagnetics (EM) and ground penetrating radar (GPR). The selection of these methods was based on the direct experience of one of the authors (Davenport) in implementing Geophysical investigations on archaeological projects.

Far-field geophysical investigations entailed measuring total field magnetic intensity, establishing background conductivities and correlating subsurface stratigraphic horizons with ground-penetrating radar all within the Project PIG site.

The near-field studies included performing total field and gradient MAG profiles, EM profiles in both quadrature and in-phase components and GPR profiles over each burial site and calibration pit. MAG surveys were performed on some of the planned gravesites prior to interment of the pigs.

The equipment utilized has included a magnetometer with gradiometer attachment, an EM-31 ground conductivity meter, and a subsurface interfacing radar with digital data recording and color display capabilities. The GPR system has been evaluated using 30 megahertz (MHz), 300 MHz and 900 MHz antennas. Self potential (SP) surveying and soil gas (SG) techniques have also been used at the PIG site, but not as extensively as the other geophysical methods. The SG surveying was performed utilizing a Photovac 10570 Portable Gas Chromatograph, while the SP surveying was done with a high impedance voltmeter and Tinker &, Rasor electrodes. Geophysical surveying was performed in either linear or grid arrays, with data collection points spaced from I to 3 meters apart, except in the case of GPR surveying, which produces a continuous record of data collection. Geophysical arrays were arranged to provide data over undisturbed areas, graves and calibration pits.

The results of geophysical surveys applied to the location and delineation of clandestine graves have been encouraging. Once suspected target areas are defined by other techniques, geophysical surveys can be rapidly run using portable equipment.

Thermal Imagery

Thermal imaging was performed using a Xedar Model XS-420 Infrared Camera System. Far-field thermal imagery, consisted of obtaining high quality thermal images of steadystate and dynamic scenes by panning the camera across the terrain of the Project PIG site, whereas, near-field infomiation was obtained by aiming the camera toward and fixing it on each grave and calibration pit.

Soil Gas

Soil gas sampling of the far-field consisted of determining background levels of methane and other volatile organic compounds throughout Project PIG Site. Near-field studies were performed by taking soil gas readings directly over graves and calibration pits.

Cadaver Dogs

Standard far-field and near-field investigations become less defined for work with scent detection dogs, as the dog defines those fields itself. The ability of the scent detection dogs to locate the buried pigs was tested using the following standard search techniques. The dog was controlled on a lead of usually 5 meter (I 5 feet) in length at all times, and "worked" on a zig-zag pattern downwind of the suspected area. The zig-zag pattern was maintained for the dog until it alerted to a scent, at which point the dog was allowed to work its own search pattern to the source.

Scavenging Patterns

Naturalists trained in animal tracking and familiar with the habits of indigenous species were responsible for identifying scat and animal tracks. This information was used to develop scavenging patterns related to the burial sites. Patterns of bone modification related to scavenging were studied. Standard far-field and near-field investigations also become blurred in studies of scavenging, as those terms are defined by where the scavenged remains, scat, and the agents of scavenging (coyotes, mountain lions, dogs, rodents, etc.) are found.

RESULTS

Aerial Photography

Aerial photography can be very useful in delineating grave sites. Grave sites are revealed by a number of factors in the air photographs taken at the research site. These factors include changes in growth patterns and characteristics of near-field vegetation, anomalous soil marks associated with excavational boundaries, and settlement of snow within some grave surface depressions. Low sun angle oblique photographs tend to emphasize texture of the around surface, and the associated long shadows can reveal minute topographic relief.

Geology

At the research site, short term (less than five years) geological effects are enhanced by climatic conditions. The climatic conditions that typify Colorado’s eastern plains offer extreme consequences affecting both the soil character and the rate and nature of soil recovery over the graves. Climatic conditions during late spring, summer and fall, and often into early winter tend to be dry. The dry conditions are inhibiting plant reestablishment over the graves and retard breakdown of the disturbed clay-rich host soil horizon. Lack of moisture largely neutralizes mechanical breakdown of fill material that is characteristic of periodic freeze/thaw conditions.

The moist climatic conditions of winter, spring and early summer enhance rapid breakdown of clay soils. Excavation boundaries tend to become masked, fill material becomes generally more fine-grained, and the compaction of the fill material to the original surface grade is facilitated.

Excavations made during dry climatic conditions persist with little change throughout the dry season. Moisture enhances grave site recovery and plant establishment.

Botany

The graves and calibration pits are revegetating, though the mix of plants on the disturbed areas is noticeably different than on the undisturbed areas. Vegetation on the disturbed sites depends on several factors, including which plants are nearby and supplying seeds to the disturbed ground and where in the landscape digging was done (in drainage areas or in high ground). For example, the pig at Site 6 was laid on top of the ground in a drainage ditch, and dirt from another area was deposited on top of it. Even though the pig was taken by scavengers, the disturbed area is revegetating differently than the rest of the sites, because the seeds in the foreign soil are different from the indigenous plants, and the drainage ditch provides extra water for growth.

Although the percent cover for each site does not differ, the species covering each site are different. After three years, the grave sites are revegetating similarly to the calibration pits, and the presence of a decaying pig has not significantly affected plant growth.

Vegetation analysis on the eight sites shows that:

1. Digging a grave will destroy existing vegetation and set succession in motion.

2. Pioneer plants will be the first to grow on the disturbed area. In lowland dry grass areas these might include alyssum (Alyssum minus), Japanese brome grass (Bromus jaconicus), and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).

3. Vegetation changes as the grave progresses through the serial stages of succession.

4. Eventually the climax vegetation for the area will grow on the graves and calibration pits if they remain undisturbed. For low-land dry grass areas this includes blue grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis), other grasses and many wild flowers. The disturbed area (grave or calibration pit) will look different from the surrounding area for many years (exceeding so far, the duration of this study).

5. Knowledge of the plants of an area can supply clues to the discovery of an area, particularly where the vegetation is largely otherwise undisturbed.