Bronx H.S. of Science

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MISSING CHILDREN IN AMERICA
Bronx H.S. of Science SBF6-05 Ms. Mary
Villani 2001-2002
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PROBLEM____________________
In 2001, approximately 2,000 children were
reported missing each day.
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Categories of Missing Children
Runaways - Children reported missing for at
least a night, but have left voluntarily without
the permission of a parent or legal guardian.
Family Abductions - Children who are taken from
(or not returned to) their residence by a parent,
relative or some other agent acting for a parent,
in violating of a legal or verbal custody
agreement or other living arrangement.
Non-family Abductions - Children who are taken
by someone who is not a parent , relative, or
legal guardian without the knowledge or consent
of a parent or legal guardian. Throwaways -
Children abandoned and forced out of their homes
by legal guardian, not allowed to return or come
and go totally unsupervised.
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_____________________________
_____________________________
Lost (Involuntarily Missing) Children who try
to return home but are lost or stranded in an
isolated place. Injured Children who fail to
return home or make contact because they have
suffered serious harm or injuries that require
medical attention. Murdered Children who
fail to return home because they have been
killed. False Alarms Children reported
missing in mistaken situations such as
miscommunication or mix-up between caretakers. In
such case, the child is found totally unharmed.
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Missing Children Reported Per State
10
03
40
04
01
17
26
06
13
10
01
31
35
103
26
04
03
07
34
67
31
57
23
09
231
33
29
09
14
08
14
61
27
02
30
03
42
17
28
17
24
06
13
11
35
139
09
63
08
148
06
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Missing Male/Female Reported Per State
07 03
01 02
29 11
01 00
03 01
12 05
16 10
04 02
11 02
01 00
05 05
23 12
23 08
02 02
73 30
15 11
05 02
03 00
40 17
25 09
47 20
15 16
12 11
20 13
07 02
18 11
149 82
10 04
05 04
12 02
43 18
07 01
18 09
21 09
02 00
23 05
02 01
27 15
08 09
12 05
18 06
05 01
08 05
09 02
23 12
92 47
06 03
37 26
06 02
109 39
03 03
LEGEND Red female Blue male
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Ages of Missing Children
Number
Age Range
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CAUSES OF PROBLEM___________
Society, government, child care agencies and
courts dont effectively create safe environments
free of victimization from drugs, violence in
streets, and school. Divorces have tripled and
single-parent families have quadrupled.
Children may accidentally become separated from
their parents or legal guardians. Parents may
have a false sense of security, which results in
more freedom and less observation. Children
voluntarily run away from home due to neglect
and/or abuse. Alcohol, drugs of solvent misuse,
abuse, domestic dispute, general anxiety or
stress, and depression or other mental illnesses
create runaways. Jealous parents without
custody may go to extremes to get them back.
Children from abusive families can be thrown out
and later reported missing. Children are
reported missing, because of age, disability, or
injury.
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Teeth Evidence Used to Identify Missing Children
Teeth arrangements, forms, and bite patterns
are individual to every person. Dental records
are used to identify teeth evidence found at
crime scenes. Comparison factors
Cavities Amalgam replacements (Ag, Au) -
Resins - Bridges - Porcelain -
Laminates - Plastic (Inlays)
Picture www.ada.org/public/media/minute/DmVol10/d
m-sensitive.html
Picture www.swiss.ai.mit.edu/nick/pers-info/Nick
s-Teeth.jpg
Picture wwww.laurentian.ca/biology/forensic/frame
11673.html
Picture www.shulmandds.com/inlays-onlays/
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DNA
A DNA molecule is composed of two DNA strands
twisted into a double helix, resembling two wires
twisted around one another. Each unit of DNA
consists of one of four bases-adenine, guanine,
cytosine, thymine. DNA is individual to all
people except identical twins. Nuclear DNA is
inherited from both the mother and the father.
Mitochondrial DNA (maternal DNA) is inherited
solely from the mother. All members of a family
who are maternally related have the same
mitochondrial DNA.
Picture www.columbia.edu/cu/opg/info/info.html
Picture www.nurseweb.ucsf.edu/www/cardio.htm
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RFLP Testing
The nerve chamber within a tooth may hold a
missing childs DNA after the tooth has fallen
out. Major Steps within the Process - DNA
extraction - Addition of restriction enzymes -
Electrophoresis - Southern blotting -
Hybridization
Picture http//doctorspiller.com/Nice_Teeth.htm
Picture www.fbsmres.leeds.ac.vk/users/bgyijd/snp-
main.html
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Mitochondrial DNA
Mitochondria are cell structures found in all
human cells. They provide 90 of the energy
that our body needs to function. A single
mitochondrion contains several loops of DNA.
Each cell in our bodies contain hundreds and
thousands of mitochondria. Forensic scientists
use mitochondrial DNA in situations where -
Nuclear DNA is significantly degraded. -
Nuclear DNA is present in small quantities. -
Authorities cannot obtain a reference sample
from an individual who is long deceased or
missing.
Picture http//festival01.nih.gov/seclev/image.jp
g
Picture http//www.uta.fi/imt/gifs/1b.jpg
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Mitochondrial DNA Fingerprints
In situations where authorities cannot obtain a
reference sample from a missing child, a
mitochondrial DNA reference sample is obtained
from maternally related relatives.
Picture www.nobel.se/chemistry/educational/
poster/1993/pcr.html
Mitochondrial DNA can be amplified by using
polymerase chain reaction.
Picture www.bris.ac.uk/.../research/
usowicz/mmufacil.htm
Picture www.diabetes.com.au/research/
labmethods.htm
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Causes of Death
Bruises - Injuries that do not break the
skin. - Show discoloration of the skin.
Abrasions - The rubbing away of skin by
friction. Stab Wounds Lacerations - A
torn ragged wound. Clean Cuts Sharp Force
Injuries Gunshot Wounds - Entry wound
(small circular wound) - Exit wound (large
with intermingled tissue) Strangulation -
Abnormalities in trachea. Fractures -
Simple - Compound
Picture http//www.nlcnet.org/Samoa/5.jpg
Picture http//www.rfpaints.com/4-Gallery/Images/
Levy/bruise.jpg
Picture http//www.med-help.net/Wound2.jpg
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Time of Death
Algor Mortis The temperature of death. Body
temperature drops about one degrees per hour due
to lack of cellular respiration.
Variables - Environmental conditions. -
Persons state of health at time of death. -
Naked versus clothed bodies. - Lightening,
electrocution and asphyxia. Livor Mortis
(hypostasis) The color of death. After heart
stops, plasma and red blood cell products mix
together and settle in lowest region of the body
and begin to form a mark in the lowest region of
the body. Rigor Mortis The stiffness of
death. Stiffness is due to the build up of
lactic acid after respiration ceases. Shows up
two hours after death. Potassium Eye Fluid
Measurement After death, red blood cells break
open and potassium enters the vitreous fluid
slowly. The level rises predictably after death.
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Identifying the Race of a Skull
Forensic Anthropologists identify unidentified
skeletal remains by studying and classifying
different parts of the skeletal remains. To
make the process simpler, they separate all
skulls into three racial categories Mongoloid,
Negroid, and Caucasoid. Race is determined only
by the skull if the skeleton is not of mixed
nationalities. Gonial inversion, mid-facial
characteristics, and dental arcade are among the
factors which determine the race of the skull.
Picture http//www.pnl.gov/er_news/12_96/skull.gi
f
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The Mongoloid Skull
Belongs to person of the Asian race.
Significant Characteristics - Narrow, short
low-bridged nasal bones - Diamond-shaped nose
holes - Variable profile Vertical chin
Squared zygomatic bones - Medium nasal slits -
Medium cheek bones - Least mandible projection
Picture www.skullsunlimited.com/humanskullsrp.htm
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The Negroid Skull
Belongs to person of the Black race.
Significant Characteristics - Broad, flat,
short nasal bridge - Square nose holes -
Prognathic profile Vertical chin Curved
zygomatic bones - Wider inter-orbital area -
Gutted nasal borders - Largest nasal slits -
Prognarthic jaws
Picture www.skullsunlimited.com/humanskullsrp.htm
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The Caucasoid Skull
Belongs to person of Caucasian race.
Significant Characteristics - Narrow, long
high-bridged nasal bones - Triangular nose
holes - Straight profile Prominent chin
Curved zygomatic bones - Prominent nasal
spine - Steeped nasals - Smallest nasal
slits - Smallest cheek bones
Picture www.skullsunlimited.com/humanskullsrp.htm
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Skull and Teeth Gender Determinations
Skull Male skulls are larger than female
skulls The male has a higher forehead than a
female, and a more sloping frontal area.
Females have sharper superior orbital borders.
Males have a more pronounced brow ridge.
Supraorbital ridges are extreme in males and
slight in females. Square chins indicate
male. Round chins indicate female. Teeth
Males have much larger teeth. Males have a
larger mandible.
Picture http//medstat.med.utah.edu/kw/osteo/fore
nsics/sex/bonesksex.html
Picture www.sav-ondrugs.com/shop/templates/surge
ries/graphics/Chinaugmentation_1.jpg
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Pelvic Girdle Gender Determinations
Female Pelvic Girdles have A greater pelvis
width A greater pelvis opening Smaller sacrum
length Smaller sacrum width The lower part of
the pelvis is angular in shape for males, and
circular for females.
Picture www.carolina.com/calendar_activities/
2001/0108_pelvis.asp
Picture www.carolina.com/calendar_activities/
2001/0108_pelvis.asp
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Femur Gender Determinations
Attachment of the femur to the pelvic
girdle - Weight bearing surfaces are larger in
males than in females. - Greater distance from
femur to femur in males than in females.
Pictures http//medstat.med.utah.edu/kw/osteo/for
ensics/sex/bonesksex.html
Pictures http//medstat.med.utah.edu/kw/osteo/for
ensics/sex/bonesksex.html
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Age Determinations
Skull The cranium of a baby is not solid, but
divided into four pieces. Studying the
calvarium, which is much larger in relation to
the face between ages 0-5, can determine age. -
The calvarium is much larger in relation to the
face and mandible between ages 0-5. - The brain
sutures are very far apart. Studying a skull
that is 18-23 years of age demonstrates - A
relatively larger skull size. - Closer (almost
meeting) brain sutures.
Picture http//headlines.org.uk/images/SkullWeb.j
pg
Picture medstat.med.utah.edu/kw/osteo/forensics/a
ge/bone5-60cran.jpg
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Age Determination--Jaws Teeth
Newborn No teeth two sets of buds in jaw -
Primary teeth - Permanent teeth Age 1-3 20
Primary teeth by age three Age 6-10 Larger and
stronger jaw Greater amount of muscle attached
to jaw Buds for permanent teeth All permanent
teeth are in by age 10 Young Adult Larger and
stronger jaw Jaw shows complete set of
permanent teeth (32) Wisdom teeth Molar
development is apparent at age 18-21
Picture http//img.intelihealth.com/i/D/DNTPrimar
yPermanent.jpg
Picture medstat.med.utah.edu/kw/osteo/forensics/a
ge/decid.html
Picture medstat.med.utah.edu/kw/osteo/forensics/a
ge/dent18.html
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Age Determination
Spinal Column Space between the cartilage and
bones of a spinal column will lessen as a child
ages. Pelvic Girdle The pelvic girdle will
not completely fuse the cartilage and bone during
childhood. With increasing age, the two
lowermost pelvic bones kit together where they
meet. Long Bones Epiphyseal rings begin to
appear around the age of puberty.
Cartilageneres plast separating epiphysist
diaphysis remains in place for first 20 years of
life.
Picture http//www.lowbackpain.com/images/spinal.
gif
Pictures medstat.med.utah.edu/kw/osteo/forensics/
age/
Pictures medstat.med.utah.edu/kw/osteo/forensics/
age/
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The Forensic Artist
A forensic artist is called in when a sketch of
a person is needed to notify the public that
he/she is missing, identify a suspect, or
eliminate a suspect. Usually, the forensic
artist goes about his/her job by carefully
listening to an eyewitness or victims
description of the missing person, then
accurately translating his/her depiction into a
composite drawing.
Picture www.ppdonline.org/ ppd_reports.htm
This sketch is then put on flyers, and given to
the police, television news stations, etc. in
order to help with the search.
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Forensic Artist and Missing Children
If a child is missing for a long period of
time, or an unidentified skeleton of a missing
child is found, the forensic artist is called
upon to help make a sketch of the missing
child. In cases like these, when the forensic
artist needs to work from an old photograph or a
skull, a facial reconstruction artist is called
to help.
Picture www.headsketch.com
The facial reconstruction artist uses either a
2D or 3D technique to construct the face of a
missing child from a skeleton, or an old photo.
Picture www.epm.ornl.gov/viz/apps/f-skull.jpg
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2-Dimensional Facial Reconstruction

• Procedures
• The unidentified skull is placed on a stand, in
  the Frankfort
• Horizontal position.
• Tissue markers are placed on the skull.
• A ruler is placed beside the skull.
• Photos are taken of the skulls frontal and
  profile views.
• The photos are taped side by side, in the
  Frankfort Horizontal position, on two separate
  flat wooden boards.
• Transparent natural vellum sheets are taped
  down on top of the photographs.
• Following the skulls natural contours, and
  using tissue markers as guidelines, the forensic
  artist creates a sketch of the unidentified
  person.
• Approximate measurements for the mouth, nose,
  and eyes are made.
• Hair type, and style are determined by other
  evidence collected from the crime scene that give
  clues as to the kind of life the unidentified
  person led.

Picture www.crimelibrary.com/forensics/art/images
/Two-dimensional-facial-reco.jpg
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3-Dimensional Facial Reconstruction
Procedures A skull is placed on a workable
stand in the Fankfort Horizontal position.
Referring to tissue depth data previously taken,
artificial eyes are centered in the skulls
eye sockets. Tissue markers are glued right
onto the skull. Following the skulls
contours, and restrictions set by the tissue
markers, clay is placed directly on the skull.
Measurements are made to determine mouth and nose
thickness, length, and width.
Pictures www.forensicartist.com/
hep/clem/3drecon.html
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3D Reconstruction Finishing Touches
Any information compiled from forensic
anthropologists about the deceased such as the
geographical locations of where he/she lived, or
his/her occupation is used to complete
construction. Clay or wig is put on the skull
to create hair. The completed face is
photographed. The forensic artist now takes
over and sketches the constructed face.
Picture www.crimelibrary.com/forensics/art/images
/11-15-1.jpg
Picture www.troopers.state.ny.us/WntdMiss/Poster/
Unidentified/caledonia.html
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Age Progression

• If a child is missing for an extensive period of
  time, and only outdated pictures are available a
  forensic artist may use age progression to help
  in the identification process.
• Procedure
• - An outdated picture or sketch of child is
  period of time is obtained.
• - Information is gathered on the suspect or
  victim, such as lifestyle, genetics (for weight
  considerations) and occupations, etc.
• - The artist produces an educated estimation on
  how the individual should look.

Picture www.missingkids.com/assets/images/age.jpg
Picture www.cnnw.net/nmclc/Pca24.JPG
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Computer Generated Age Progression
If computer software is used, the artist can
use image enhance to add features such as
eyeglasses, mustaches, beards, hats, different
hair styles, and numerous other items on the
photo. Computer programs such as Photoshop are
used to paint directly on a digitized photograph
of the victim.
Picture www.chilhavisto.rai.it/CLV/img/
C/Celentano/grandi/AGING.JPG
Picture www.ncsd.com/MissingChildren/mort-today.J
PG
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Crime Scene Investigation Policy
Licensed and trained personnel will collect,
package and analyze physical evidence collected
at a crime scene. Forensic scientists must be
skilled in applying the principles and techniques
of the physical and natural sciences to the
analysis of the many types of physical evidence
that may be recovered during crime scene
investigations in accordance with the demands and
constraints that are imposed by the judicial
system. Physical evidence must be processed in
such a way as to prevent any alteration between
the time it is collected and the time it is
delivered to the crime lab. Physical evidence
must be packaged in proper containers, and must
be appropriately labeled. An evidence
submission form must accompany the physical
evidence upon delivery to the crime lab. The
chain of custody must be maintained before,
during and after physical evidence is processed
in the crime lab. Every person who handles
evidence must be accounted for.
Picture www.cnn.com/US/9907/30/alabama.deaths.02
/story.alabama.trailer.jpg
Picture www.cnn.com/LAW/trials.and.cases/case.fil
es/0012/embassy.bombing/images/link.fbi.crime.scen
e.jpg
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_____________________________
_____________________________
Must maintain standards set by the government
and crime lab facilities - Educational
requirements - Personal requirements - Job
training - Laboratory protocol Although
standards for conducting analytical chemistry
procedures are not uniform for all crime
laboratories, they must be established and
practiced by each individual crime lab.
Establishing standards for common procedures is
usually a lengthy process. When a unique
procedure is used, however, the ability to
reconstruct the method and gather useful data is
sufficient. The procedures and techniques used
in the laboratory must - Rest on a firm
scientific foundation agreed upon by all the
scientific community. - Satisfy the criteria of
admissibility that has been established by the
U.S. courts.
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Local Policies
Picture http//www.thunderthighs.com/nypd.gif
Picture http//www.thunderthighs.com/nypd.gif
After the call, the police immediately file a
missing person report.  - This report may file
the case as a special circumstance case. Cases
are categorized individually. However, a
missing person will be immediately filed under
special circumstances if he/she is in any of the
following categories The person missing is
under 9 years of age or over 65 years of
age.          The person missing has a mental
or physical handicap.  - If the person missing
is over 17 and healthy, they are immediately
filed as a runaway unless there are special
circumstances. The report is handed over to
the missing persons unit. Information about the
missing child is released to city transit, policy
departments, and housing police departments
(releasing this information is covering an all
points bulletin). If it is a case that falls
under special circumstances, level 1 mobilization
is put on the buildings surrounding the area
where the person was last seen. An extra unit
makes a canvas in this area, in case the missing
person is incapable of leaving by him/herself.
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State Policies
Picture http//criminaljustice.state.ny.us/graphi
cs/mcargraphics/dcjbw2.jpg
Picture http//criminaljustice.state.ny.us/graphi
cs/mcargraphics/dcjbw2.jpg
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice
Services created the New York State Missing and
Exploited Children Clearinghouse in 1988 in order
to assist in the search for under-age missing
children.
Successful distribution of child safety
literature and programs. Rapid Distribution of
Missing Children Information - The MECC uses
Track (Technology to Recover Abducted Kids) to
fax information on missing children to almost
every law enforcement agency, and service station
in the area. - Rapid dispersion of flyers,
photos, etc. Public Awareness - Handing out
pamphlets that call for the awareness of
people. - Providing the "Protect Our Children"
online course. - Maintaining the records of
those unidentified missing children from.
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Federal Policies
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has
jurisdiction and investigative responsibilities
over certain missing children cases. These
special types are identified in Title 18 of the
United States Code, Sections 1201, 1204, and
1703. 1201 - Kidnapping When a minor (someone
who has not reached the age of eighteen) is
unlawfully transported in interstate or foreign
commerce as a result of an abduction. 1204 -
International Parental Kidnapping When a child
younger than sixteen years is taken from the
United States or kept outside of the United
States in violation of parental rights. Ex. When
a non- custodial parent takes a child away from
the parent who has sole custody. 1703 -
Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution (In regards
to missing children) When a parent kidnaps a
child and takes them out of the state they are
being prosecuted in,in order to escape
prosecution, confinement or custody after they
have been convicted of a crime. On May 17, 1996,
the President signed Megan's Law into federal
law. As a result, local law enforcement agencies
in all 50 states must notify schools, day care
centers, and parents about the presence of
dangerous offenders in their area.
Picture http//www.cai.com/federal/i/services.jpg
Picture http//www.radford.va.us/government/image
s/Federal.jpg
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Most Effective Policies
Educational programs, literature to make
parents and children aware of ways to protect
themselves. Educational programs in schools
through police enforcement agencies to teach
children about the warnings of danger and how to
best protect themselves. Disseminations of
information about missing children to the
public. Simple and rapid reporting procedures.
Immediate action by law enforcement agencies.
The rapid distribution of information about
missing children through Track Technology.
Greater penalties for offenders. Greater
community support systems for the families of
missing children.
Picture http//www.imfar.org/images/committee.jpg
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REFERENCES____________________
Slide 02 www.guidinglightvideo.com/missing.html
www.ncmec.org Slide 03-04
www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us/internet/missing/a
ware/runaway.htm Slide 05-08 www.ncmec.org Slide
09 www.encarat.msn.com/find/search.asp/searchtee
th www.nd.essortment.com/bitemarke
viden_rltv.htm Slide 10 www.ee.vt.edu/envoy/ecpe
4984/notes/dna4.pdf Slide 11 www.geocities.com/ca
pecanaveral/lab/5122/labs.htm Slide 12-13
www.ee.vt.edu/envoy/ecpe4984/notes/dna4.pdf Slide
14-15 www.ncmec.org Slide 16-19
www.anthrogirl.com/anthropage/raceskull.htm
Slide 20-21 www.garnet.acns.fsu.edu/sss4407 Sli
de 22 www.csuchico.edu/anth/ABFA
www.garnet.acns.fsu.edu/sss4407
www.anthrogirl.com/anthropage/sexskull.htm Slide
23 www.sst.tees.ac.uk/external/U0011086/bi/facial
.html www.littlerock.fbi.gov/hq/la
b/fsc/backissu/jan2000.htm Slide 24-25
www.medstat.med.utah.edu/kw/osteo/forensics/age/ch
ild.html www.ada.org/public/m
edia/newsrel/0010/nr-10.html Slide 26-30
www.forensicartist.com
www.crime-scene-investigator.net/forensicartist.ht
ml Slide 31 www.forensicartist.com/agepro.html Sl
ide 32 www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/fsc/backissu/oct2000/ub
elaker.htm Slide 33-34 www.fbi.gov-police2.ucr.ed
u/csi.html Slide 35 www.ncvc.org/links/caam.htm
www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us/mi
ssing/ Slide 36-38 www.ncvc.org/links/caam.htm
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CREDITS_______________________
Production Staff Aboufariss, Nadia Bernstein,
Justin Chan, Jonathan Chang, Grace Cruz,
Luis Epstien, Dara Hoppe, Jennifer Hu,
Kevin Jhun, Michael Kim, Geong Hwan Klein,
Katie Kwak, Jae Lam, Carol Lam, Derek Lee,
Alvina Lopez, William Luo, Mary Ma,
Andrew Matlick, Seth Narcelles, Charlene Nathan,
Benjamin Oduyemi, Oluseyi Radhamohan,
Chanda Severe, Patrick Tseng, Ming-Chieh Vanhaafte
n, Lauren Schick White Annika Won, Hana Wong,
Manfung
The Bronx High School of Science Teacher Ms.
Mary Villani SBF6-05 2001-2002
Student Leaders Huang, Li-Ying Leavin,
Sam Martin, Mavis Scott, Zoe Sheppard, Samantha