Unidentified human remains

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) is a national centralized repository and resource center for missing, unidentified, and unclaimed person cases across the United States. NamUs recognizes the need for additional support for tribal communities and has dedicated resources to address missing and unidentified Indigenous persons cases.

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) is a national centralized repository and resource center for missing, unidentified, and unclaimed person cases across the United States. NamUs helps investigators match long-term missing persons with unidentified remains to resolve cases and bring resolution to families.

Following a multi-month course of data collection using simulated human gravesites, Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) researcher Jordan Mullikin will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of GPR for the detection of unmarked graves. Additionally, this webinar will explore Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology for the same purpose and investigate the potential integration of both technologies for optimal detection of clandestine graves within the law enforcement and forensic communities.

Forensic science research is developing essential knowledge to fill in the holes in death investigations, creating new ways to identify challenging skeletal remains. These methods inform cause of death, time of death, and familial relationships to guide investigations, identify suspects, support prosecutions, and bring justice to families.