| Institution: | 1. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5408-2417;2. School of Geography, Geology and Environment, Keele University, Keele, ST5 5BG U.K.;3. Department of Criminal Justice and Forensics, School of Law, Policing& Forensics, Science Centre, Staffordshire University, Leek Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 2DF U.K.Corresponding author: Kristopher D. Wisniewski, Ph.D. E‐mail:;4. School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Keele University, Keele, ST5 5BG U.K.;5. School of Applied Science, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taff, CF37 4AT U.K. |
| Abstract: | Police witness intelligence stated a murdered adult male “Fred” had been vertically buried in wooded hilly terrain 30 years ago in the Midlands, U.K. Conventional search methods were unsuccessful; therefore, the police requested a geophysical investigation to be undertaken to determine whether “Fred” could be detected. A multiphased geophysical approach was conducted, using bulk ground conductivity and metal detectors, then follow‐up magnetics and ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey profiles on electromagnetic (EM) anomalous areas. A tight grid pattern was used to account for the reduced target size. Relatively high‐resolution EM and GPR techniques were determined optimal for this terrain and sandy soil. Geophysical anomalies were identified and the most promising intrusively investigated, and this was found to be a large boulder and tree roots. Study implications suggest careful multiphase geophysical surveys are best practice and give confidence in cold case searches. This study yielded a no‐body result, effectively saving police time and costs from further investigations. |
