2014/11/11

Reuters November 10, 2014: Austrian forensic experts may shed light on Mexico massacre

Austrian forensics experts who helped solve the mystery of Russia's murdered imperial family could soon shed light on the apparent massacre of 43 Mexican students through analysis of the tiniest of DNA fragments from badly burned remains.

The bodies of students abducted by corrupt police in Mexico six weeks ago were apparently burnt to ashes by drug gang members in an attempt to destroy the evidence.

Mexican authorities have said they would send the remains to Innsbruck's Medical University for DNA identification.

Officials at the forensics institute at Innsbruck Medical University are not allowed to confirm they are handling the Mexican investigation.

Generally speaking, DNA analysis of remains reduced to ashes would be very difficult, said molecular biologist Walther Parson, a leading expert at the institute. more