Forensic Dentistry, Second Edition

Bitemarks 329

seen in human biting activity. An incision through a mark will reveal if there

is the subepidermal hemorrhage often associated with human bitemarks

(Figures 14.23 and 14.24). Alternatively, either could have harvested tissue

from one or more of the patterned injuries. Dr. West had a history of simi-

larly outrageous findings in other cases (Keko, Harrison, Maxwell). He had

identified shoe marks on human skin and knife handle rivets on the hand of

a murder suspect. He had made dramatic, overreaching statements in court,

including conclusions to absolute certainty, “indeed and without doubt,” and

incredible estimates of his own error rates, “something less than my savior,

Jesus Christ.”^33 He had been suspended from the American Board of Forensic

Figure 14.20 mhw report regarding nineteen “bitemarks” found on Christine
Jackson. the report speaks for itself.