If a bone is cut by a saw, are those marks preserved after burning?

What is it about?

This publication explores the question of whether the characteristics left by saw marks is preserved on the bone after it has been burned.

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Why is it important?

Homicides sometimes include perpetrators trying to dispose of a body. Dismemberment by a saw is not unheard of in these cases. However, sometimes a perpetrator will go a step further and then burn the remains. Analysis of remains for evidence of saw marks and indicators as to the type of saw used are helpful in tying a specific type of saw to the crime. The question was, are the aforementioned indicators preserved on the bone even after the remains have been burned? The simple answer is yes.