Body Search

Dr. Melbye led his students into a densely wooded area in Texas, where he buried a teaching skeleton in a shallow grave just 3 months earlier, enabling him to create a realistic situation for teaching his students proper search and recovery techniques.

Over a two day period, the students were taught complete search protocols, mapping techniques, crime scene investigation, proper note and photo taking, how to set up a grid over the gravesite and finally, proper excavation techniques.

The students are expected to write a complete report of the case as well as determine cause and manner of death and then complete a forensic analysis of the skeletal remains. This is a hands on workshop and an invaluable learning experience for the students.