Forensic dentistry can be crucial in establishing the identity of unknown human remains. Not only can experts match dental photos to teeth, but they can also provide clues to the deceased person’s socioeconomic background, race, age, occupation and even where the victim grew up. However, analysing bites left on victims is more controversial because methods vary, and it is highly subjective. Bite marks can be distorted by any stretching of the skin and changes in environment. Ideally, the dental moulds would be placed on the body in the exact position and from the same angle as the bite occurred. This is often not possible. Furthermore, if the match is made many years after the death of a victim, the suspect’s dental profile might have changed due to tooth loss, oral disease and fillings.
DOUBLE INJUSTICE
In 1990, three-year-old Courtney Smith was snatched from her bed in Mississippi and found dead in a nearby pond. She’d been raped and strangled. Her five-yea-rold sister was the only eyewitness, and identified family acquaintance Levon Brooks as the perpetrator, and he was charged with Courtney’s murder.
Courtney’s body had a number of bite marks, and Dr Michael West, a forensic dentist, was asked to examine them. Dr West’s technique involved taking moulds of the suspect’s teeth, then rolling them over the victim’s body to see if they fit. Dr West said the bite marks came from Levon, who was convicted and sentenced to life.
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