Scientists Assist Police In Investigation Of Blanchard Mom's Death

Police turn to science to help solve the death of a pregnant Blanchard woman. It's been more than a month since Jaymie Adams went missing. Her body was discovered about a week ago near Lake Stanley Draper only miles from where her van was found.

1/7/2012 Related Story: Missing Blanchard Mother's Body Found Near South OKC Bike Trail

Adams was pregnant at the time of her death. Now the question is, how long was she dead before her body was found?

1/11/2012 Related Story: Autopsy Shows Blanchard Mom Jaymie Adams Was Pregnant

Oklahoma City Police brought in a team of local scientists to help answer that question. The Crime Scene Archaeology Recovery Group is often asked to assist in investigations.

"We might recover somebody who was simply lost or somebody who committed suicide," Norman archaeologist Kent Buehler said.

Buehler studies bones both prehistoric and modern. Archaeologists can assist police in the detection and recovery of human remains at a crime scene.

An entomologist's knowledge of bugs is also useful in a murder investigation.

"As the body goes through various stages of decomposition, different types of insects are attracted to it depending on the condition of the body," Buehler said.

The scientists work crime scenes at no cost and on their own time. Since 2007, the group has worked dozens of investigations throughout the state.

Police have not named a suspect in this case.