NecroSearch is a non-profit organization that specializes in the search for clandestine gravesites.

 

The NecroSearch mission is to assist law enforcement agencies by providing applied research, training, and on-site investigations.

NecroSearch scientists and investigators work on a volunteer basis.

 


Click here for a 2008 training class registration form.

The NecroSearch Mission

The NecroSearch mission is to provide law enforcement agencies with ...

 

 

 

Research

NecroSearch members develop methods, through research, that law enforcement agencies can use for the location of human remains, and other evidence that has been hidden.

 

 

 

Training

NecroSearch members share the results of the applied research through education and training provided by NecroSearch as a unit or by individual members.

 

 

 

Assistance

NecroSearch provides assistance to law enforcement agencies in the search for and/or recovery of human remains and evidence. (Click here for more information.)

 

NecroSearch Methods & Expertise

NecroSearch combines a wide variety of disciplines into a cohesive team.  Specialties include the following disciplines;

 

 

 

Animal Scavenging

Various vertebrate scavengers, such as bears, lions, coyotes, fox, and birds can cause significant damage to human remains and relocate remains to distant sites.  Understanding the behavior and recognizing the signs left by these important agents may assist investigators during the recovery process.

 

 

 

Anthropology

Human identification, the identification of human vs. nonhuman remains, and collection (including exhumation) and recordation of human elements.  (Click here for more information.)

 

 

 

Archeology

Archaeology brings thoroughly field  proven methods for search, recovery and crime scene recording.  Archaeology also provides event reconstruction techniques which help to integrate the information from the other NecroSearch disciplines. 

 

 

 

Botany/Plant Ecology

The uses of botany in forensic investigations include the identification of plant fragments, age dating of roots & stems, and using vegetation as an indication of surface disturbance.

 

 

 

Cadaver Dogs

Bloodhounds have an extraordinary sense of smell and have located graves decades after burial.  These dogs are important, non destructive screeners, helpful during the searching phase of the investigation.  Equally important are qualified handlers who understand the nuances in behavior for their dog and it’s breed.

 

 

 

Criminalistics

Various aspects of the identification sciences, fingerprints, shoe prints, tire prints, drug identification , and DNA analysis  may aid investigators during the search and recovery of human remains and the identification of the victim.

 

 

 

Data Processing

 

On-site processing and synthesis of data from the various disciplines, allow NecroSearch investigators to rapidly select excavation targets. (Click here for more information.)

 

 

 

Entomology

Arthropods, especially insects, may provide valuable information regarding the timing and duration of taphonomic processes.

 

 

 

Geology

A clandestine grave represents an intrusion into the natural and/or ambient environment.  A geologic understanding of that environment can aid law enforcement in the location of that grave and to the development of ideas relating to the circumstances surrounding grave construction.  (Click here for more information.)

 

 

 

Geophysics

The application of remote sensing methods, including but not limited to ground penetrating radar, side scan sonar, electromagnetics, magnetics, thermal Imaging and metal detectors, has seen increasing acceptance by criminal investigators.  (Click here for more information.)

 

 

 

Meteorology

Weather conditions, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and precipitation may greatly affect aspects of the investigation such as insect development and scent preservation for cadaver dogs.

 

 

 

Psychology

The behavioral profile of the suspected perpetrator can provide insights into the grave location and depth.

 

 

 

 

Remote Sensing

Unmanned aerial vehicles and traditional fixed wing and rotary aircraft are important non-destructive resources utilized during the search for clandestine grave sites.

 

 

 

Serology

The study of body fluids (blood, saliva, and semen) through classical methods as well as DNA analyses can be used to identify both the victim as well as the perpetrator.

 

 

 

Underground Mine Exploration

NecroSearch provides expertise in regards to underground mine safety, mapping, and ingress/egress methods.

 

 

 

Underwater Methods

NecroSearch underwater search capabilities include sidescan sonar, magnetometer, metal detectors, underwater T.V. and navigation.  NecroSearch members include certified divers.

NecroSearch Members (partial listing)

Tom
 Adair

Entomology
More information ...

 

 

 

Chris
Andrist

 

Criminal Investigations
More information ...

 

 

 

Tom
Bellinger

Hydrologist
More information ...

 

 

 

Al
Bieber

Geophysics / Underwater Search
More information ...

 

 

 

Wayne
Bryant

Criminal Investigator

 

 

 

Lieutenant
Kim L.
Castellano

Criminal Investigations / Photography / Criminalistics
More information ...

 

 

 

Clark
Davenport

Geophysics
More information ...

 

 

 

Tim
Deignan

Geophysics
More information ...

 

 

 

Diane
France

Anthropology
More information ...

 

 

 

Brannon
Gamber

Aerial Imagery

 

 

 

Tom
Griffin

Criminal Investigations
More information ...

 

 

 

Kathy
Ireland

Investigator
More information ...

 

 

 

Steve
Ireland

Archeology
More information ...

 

 

 

Cal
Jennings

Archeology
More information ...

 

 

 

Larry
Kolz

 

Radio Telemetry
More information ...

 

 

 

Julie
Kovats-Fulton

Criminal Investigations
More information ...

 

 

 

John
Lindemann,
CPG

Geology
More information ...

 

 

 

David
McPhail

Registered Nursing
More information ...

 

 

 

John
McPhail

Forensic Nursing
More information ...

 

 

 

Gil
Micelli

Thermal Infrared

 

 

 

Al
Nelson

Decomposition Dogs
More information ...

 

 

 

David
Norris

 

More information ...

 

 

 

Captain
Bill
Oliver

Blood Hound Handler

More information …

 

 

 

Ed
Pearl

Meteorology
More information ...

 

 

 

Jim
Reed

Geology & Geophysics, Computer Modeling & Visualization, Underground Mine Exploration
More information ...

 

 

 

Jack
Swanburg

Fingerprinting
More information ...

 

 

 

Vickey
Trammell

Botany
More information ...

 

 

 

Cecilia
Travis

Naturalist / Geologist
More information ...

News

Contact Information

Mail:

Thomas R. Bellinger, D.M., P.H.
1389 S Brentwood Way
Lakewood, CO 80232

 

 

Web:

http://www.necrosearch.org/

 

 

Email:

trbellinger@aol.com

 

 

Phone:

303 594-0435

 

 

Volunteering

Want to volunteer for NecroSearch?

We thank you for your interest in volunteering.  We ask that potential members meet the following criteria:

  • You must live in Colorado or the immediate area.  We ask this so that you can attend our monthly meetings and be available on short notice to join us in searches.
  • You must be a specialist in an area needed by NecroSearch.  Currently we are looking for forensic botanists and forensic geophysicists. 
  • You must be able to pass a detailed background check administered by law enforcement

The process whereby volunteers become members is lengthy (usually at least one year while we get to know you). 

Still interested?  Please contact our president, Tom Bellinger at trbellinger@aol.com. 

Thank you!

Commemoration


In memory of Dick Hopkins (1941-1998),
Criminalist & Co-Founding NecroSearch Member

Links To Related Web Sites

·         Arapahoe County, Colorado, Sheriff's Office

·         Colorado Homicide Investigators Association

·         Douglas County, Colorado, Sheriff's Office

·         Jackson, Steve (Author of "No Stone Unturned")

·         North Carolina Program for Forensic Sciences

·         Rocky Mountain Division of the International Association for Identification

(C) Copyright 1990-2007 by NecroSearch International.
All Rights Reserved.

Last modified 04/16/07