Topic: Biology

In 2009, cemetery workers in Illinois were accused of digging up older graves and selling newly emptied burial plots. A tiny clump of moss helped investigators solve the case.

Moss Expert Gets an Unexpected Call

Matt von Konrat, a botany expert from the Field Museum in Chicago, received an unexpected call from the FBI in 2009. They asked for his help identifying some plants found near human remains at Burr Oak Cemetery.

Identifying the Moss Species

Von Konrat and his team analyzed the moss sample under a microscope and compared it with preserved specimens stored in the museum's collections. The plant was identified as Fissidens taxifolius, commonly called common pocket moss.

Determining How Long the Moss Was Buried

The researchers then examined the types of moss growing around the crime scene. They found that this particular species of moss was not present there. However, they discovered a huge colony of the same species in another part of the cemetery where the remains were likely buried. This gave them strong evidence that the remains had come from that area.

Chlorophyll Analysis Reveals the Timeline

To determine how long the moss had been buried, scientists measured the chlorophyll's ability to absorb light. They compared this with moss samples of known ages and found that the evidence moss had likely been underground for only one or two years.

Why It Matters

This case shows how tiny details can help solve big crimes. It also highlights the importance of using science in forensic investigations.

Key Facts

• Cemetery workers in Illinois were accused of digging up older graves and selling newly emptied burial plots
• A tiny clump of moss helped investigators solve the case
• The moss was identified as Fissidens taxifolius, a common species of moss
• The researchers found that this particular species of moss was not present at the crime scene but was found in another part of the cemetery
• Chlorophyll analysis revealed that the evidence moss had likely been underground for only one or two years

Key Terms

Forensic botany

The use of plant material to help solve crimes

Implications

This case shows how tiny details can help solve big crimes. It also highlights the importance of using science in forensic investigations.