330 Forensic dentistryOdontology (ABFO). He had also resigned from the American Academy of
Forensic Sciences (AAFS) and the International Association for Identification
(IAI) seemingly to avoid suspension or expulsion from those groups for ethics
violations. He subsequently was reinstated by the ABFO but later resigned
to avoid facing additional ethics violation charges. Dr. West widely distrib-
uted by email his June 2006 resignation letter. The letter contained his general
indictment of the ABFO replete with Latin quotes, plus support for his own
work and this curious statement, “This action, these latest ‘ethics’ complaints,
in my opinion, is only a ruse to affect the upcoming retrial of Kennedy Brewer
in Mississippi, nothing more, nothing less.... Age quod agis!”^34
These problem cases afford forensic odontologists the opportunity to
learn valuable lessons. That the liberty, and indeed the life, of a human being
is often in question and may depend upon the quality of experts’ opinions is
of paramount importance and cannot be overemphasized. We cannot be too
cautious, too conservative, or too diligent when analyzing the potential asso-
ciation of a suspect to a bitemark. We should also recognize that eye witnesses
may be wrong or may have reason to lie. Prosecutors and investigativeFigure 14.21 direct comparison of Brewer’s maxillary model to Jackson’s face
(pattern 19 on the mhw body chart). (see color insert following page 304.)
Figure 14.22 direct comparison of Brewer’s maxillary model to Jackson’s foot
(pattern 1 or 2 on mhw body chart). (see color insert following page 304.)