Announcing a new article publication for Forensic Sciences Research , https://doi.org/10.1093/fsr/owaf038 , Silent witnesses: mosses provide important evidence in solving a cemetery crime , reveals how a common moss species played a decisive role in solving one of Illinois’ most disturbing cemetery crimes. The study details how forensic botanists helped establish a critical timeline in the Burr Oak Cemetery desecration case, ultimately supporting successful prosecution.
In 2009, Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois, USA, was declared a crime scene after investigators uncovered a scheme involving the illegal disinterment of human remains and resale of burial plots. During the investigation, a moss specimen—identified as Fissidens taxifolius —was discovered buried alongside human remains. Through herbarium comparisons, ecological surveys, physiological testing, and chlorophyll fluorescence analysis, researchers determined that the moss had been buried for no more than 24 months, directly contradicting the suspects’ claims about when the remains had been moved.
The scientific findings were presented in court during a Frye hearing to establish the reliability of bryological evidence. This marked the first time moss had been used in Illinois to establish a crime timeline. The analysis demonstrated that the plant was still viable when recovered, indicating relatively recent burial and placing the criminal activity within the suspects’ period of employment
The case underscores the growing importance of forensic botany—particularly the analysis of bryophytes, such as mosses—in criminal investigations. The authors conclude that microscopic plant material remains an underutilized but powerful form of physical evidence that can provide crucial insights into timelines, environmental conditions, and crime scene reconstruction.
Related Publication
Matt von Konrat, Llo Stark, Jenna Merkel, Anne Grauer, Wayne Jakalski, Paul Kiefer, Danny Kreider, Eric Leafblad, Alan Lichamer, Gary Merrill, Jason Moran, Gavin Quinn, Doug Seccombe, Kathryn Sodetz, Matthew Thrun, Silent witnesses: mosses provide important evidence in solving a cemetery crime, Forensic Sciences Research , 2025;, owaf038, https://doi.org/10.1093/fsr/owaf038
Funding
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) and the Homeland Security Powers Programme provided funding towards an internship. National Science Foundation [Award Nos. 1145898, 1146168, 2001509] provided support for digitization. The Grainger Bioinformatics Center and the Prince Fellowship administered by the Field Museum also provided support.
Author Biography
Matthew von Konrat is Head of Botanical Collections at The Field Museum in Chicago, where he oversees one of the world’s most significant bryophyte collections. He received his PhD in Botany from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, where his research focused on the taxonomy, diversity, and conservation of liverworts.
At The Field Museum, von Konrat leads international initiatives on the taxonomy, conservation, and digitization of bryophytes, integrating traditional herbarium work with emerging technologies such as high-resolution imaging and bioinformatics. He has spearheaded projects that have digitized millions of specimens, expanding global accessibility to biodiversity data.
His research focuses on bryophyte systematics and evolution, the use of bryophytes as indicators of environmental change, and their potential applications in forensic science. He has published extensively on bryophyte taxonomy and conservation, contributing to international efforts to document plant diversity.
Von Konrat is actively engaged in public science outreach, citizen science initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaborations that bridge taxonomy, conservation, and applied science. His leadership has also advanced large-scale collaborative projects involving universities, governmental agencies, and citizen scientists worldwide.
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Forensic Sciences Research ( FSR ) is a publication of the Academy of Forensic Science (AFS), Shanghai, P.R. China, that publishes the latest research in various disciplines of forensic sciences. It aims to promote forensic sciences through quality research articles, reviews, case reports, and letters to editors. The journal has been publishing highly impactful articles and achieving a 1. 4 Impact Factor and 3.6 CiteScore (Scopus) while averaging 11 days from submission to first decision. Forensic Sciences Research is indexed in by ESCI, PMC, Scopus, DOAJ, ProQuest, HeinOnline and CSCD.
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Print ISSN: 2096-1790
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