CSI Chicago: Murder Victims Identified by Pacemaker Information

In a sad case here in Chicago, it is interesting to note that a person's pacemaker can help identify them if no other means of identification exists following a homicide:

Ruby and Milton McClendon's bodies were discovered about 12:30 p.m. Monday in the Wentworth Woods of the Cook County Forest Preserve off Campbell Road between Pulaski and Michigan City Roads.

An autopsy performed Tuesday determined that Milton McClendon died from a gunshot wound to the head and Ruby McClendon died from multiple gunshot wounds. Milton McClendon, who was identified through his heart pacemaker, was 78, and his wife was 76, records show.

This is not the first time pacemakers have been used to determine critical identifying information or details (subscription) about the time of death. All patients implanted with medical devices (especially pacemakers and defibrillators) are followed by tagging the serial number in the device in the rare event that device advisories require patient notification.

-Wes