A 9/11 Victim Is Identified by DNA in 2011

Over 70 body parts from 9/11 victims were found in 2010.

Could it be that more remains in 2011 have been found? The NY Medical Examiner does not make it 100% clear if these were body fragments from previous recovery efforts in 2010 or 2006; or if perhaps more fragments have been found in 2011. Here is the latest from CBS New York:

Forensic technicians have identified another set of human remains found in the rubble of the World Trade Center, nearly a decade after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The office of New York City’s medical examiner announced Tuesday that it had successfully matched a set of remains to 40-year-old Ernest James, who had been assumed dead in the Twin Towers’ collapse.

James was identified within the last few days through DNA testing, a spokeswoman said. He worked for the professional services firm Marsh & McLennan Companies, which lost more than 350 employees and consultants that day.

James’ fianc ee, Monique Keyes, said he was a native New Yorker and had been working in information technology at the company for about six years. He worked the night shift and would normally call her every morning at the end of his shift.

“When I couldn’t reach him, I pretty much, deep inside, knew,” Keyes said.

James had worked on the 88th floor of the North Tower, the first building struck by a hijacked plane and the second tower to collapse. Keyes said he was outgoing and family-oriented.

“He just loved to make you laugh,” she said of the Harlem resident.

Ten years later, she said the news brought some measure of closure.

To date, authorities have identified the remains of 1,629 victims. Nearly 2,800 people died at the trade center on 9/11.

The medical examiner’s office says it will continue testing remains.

 

Examining the Evidence

Couldn't a forensic examination determine cause of death? Wouldn't death by explosives present differently than death by fire or building collapse? Are the bodies (and fragments thereof) of the deceased from the WTC potential evidence of how the buildings came down, or have I seen too many episodes of "Bones?"

Where are the CSI fans?

That's exactly it. How could a fire and collapsing building lead to so many missing bodies: 2800 minus 1629 equal 1171, and so many body fragments. Only about 300 bodies were recovered intact. That's 2500 - which have either been blown into pieces or completely blown up into dust. Extraordinary! And where are the CSI fans that could uncover the forensic evidence of their deaths? (silence).