Title: CSI of Girl Encased in Concrete

Author(s): Megan Huberty

Publication: Web Session

Volume: ws_F18_Huberty.pdf

Issue:

Appears on pages(s):

Keywords:

DOI:

Date: 10/15/2018

Abstract:
In March of 2004, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department contacted American Petrographic Services (APS) to apply specialized concrete forensics in assisting with a homicide investigation. The victim had not been identified. A concrete sarcophagus entombing the body presented a new source of information, albeit one with which Las Vegas Police had no prior forensic experience. The APS project is one of the first to use forensic concrete technology in a homicide case. Our most important contribution was age dating the concrete. APS applied three of its laboratory techniques to define specific qualities of the concrete that would be indicative of age. These three parameters are the depth the concrete was carbonated, the relative porosity of the paste, and the degree of cement hydration. APS data was more precise and valuable in determining time of death than traditional pathologic methods; which were unclear in this specific situation. Similar techniques were used to link a utility knife to the concrete sarcophagus. Using this critical information, the victim was identified.