Task 8: Forensic report on the death of Narrabeen Man

The work done by historians and archaeologists

is very much like the work of detectives and
forensic investigators.
They all examine sources of evidence and
develop theories to solve mysteries about
past events.

Your task

Use the form provided to write a forensic report on the death of Narrabeen Man.
Follow the tips below to help structure your report.
Your report should be about 300 words long.

How to write a forensic* report

Your report should include
1.

Details of the event that took place when it

happened, where it happened, who was involved.

2.

Description of what happened to the

victim position when discovered, injuries, associated
artefacts.

3.
4.

explanation for what happened to the victim.

Evidence to support your conclusion. Use evidence
from experts state their opinions about what
The most likely

happened, how it happened and why it happened.

5. Your conclusions. Your previous information must support your
conclusions. (For example: On the basis of the evidence of experts, especially Dr
McDonald and Dr Fullagar, it is concluded that .
*forensic: scientific methods and techniques of analysis to investigate and report on a crime.

Forensic report on the death of Narrabeen Man

Investigator
Date of discovery
Estimated date of
death
Location of
deceased
Description of
skeleton (position,
injuries, associated
artefacts)
Theory
(you can have more
than one theory).
Narrabeen Man was
killed on his own
lands by members
of his own clan
because he did not
want to go through
the initiation
process.

(Can you explain

why my theory
might be weak?)
Have I been too
selective in
handling some of
the evidence?)

Supporting evidence:
Narrabeen is a coastal community and small fish
bones found in the vicinity of where Narrabeen
Mans stomach was shows his last meal was fish.
(Expert 2, Dr Denise Donlon)
Narrabeen Mans front teeth were intact young
men are initiated into the Narrabeen tribe by
having their front teeth removed. (Expert evidence
from Allen Madden, supported by Expert 4 Dr Paul
Willis))
Narrabeen man was not given a proper burial.
(Evidence from Dr Jo MacDonald).
Narrabeen man was killed by a death spear
because of the presence of several spear heads in
his spine.

Several weapons were involved in the killing of

Narrabeen man. (Expert evidence from Richard
Conclusions and recommendations
All the evidence points to the fact that Narrabeen Man was
undoubtedly murdered, with multiple weapons used in his killing.
It is likely, from the weapons used, that people from the
Narrabeen area were the killers. It remains uncertain whether
Narrabeen Man was, in fact, from Narrabeen. It is also not clear
why his own people would kill him. It is advised that more
research be conducted into the initiation ceremonies of the
Narrabeen people and surrounding areas. It is also advised that
the public of northern Sydney beach areas be made aware of the
importance of reporting any unusual discoveries no matter how
minor they might appear.
2013 Education
Services
Australia
Ltd, except
where indicated
(Can you
work
out
what
parts
of this are
otherwise. You may copy,
distribute and adapt this material free of charge for non-commercial
educational purposes, provided you retain all copyright notices and

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