This week: how we found Mr. X

This week, our focus is on forensic facial reconstruction. This is the anatomical method of recreating the face of an individual based on their skull. When combined with a publicity campaign, a facial reconstruction is a powerful tool that significantly enhances the chances of identification.

As we discovered last week, forensic experts can study the skull to build a biological profile of a person, including their age, sex, and ethnicity.

This week, we’ll learn how applying knowledge of facial anatomy is the next step to enabling a reconstructed face to take shape.

We’ll hear from those experienced in forensic facial reconstruction, including Nikki Taylor who conducted the original facial reconstruction of Mr. X in 2000 and Professor Caroline Wilkinson whose high-profile work includes Richard III, St Nicolas and J.S. Bach.

And to give us an insight into the reconstruction process, Forensic Anatomy graduate, Daheen Lee will be recreating the reconstruction of Mr. X in clay.

In the case of Mr. X, we’ll see how the facial reconstruction, combined with the pathology report and other details from the police investigation, enabled the police to build a picture of the victim which was detailed enough to secure a positive identification.