Q:   I have seen multiple TV programs and read the book about the murder of Tutankahmen by Bob Brier. Many sources say that the bone fragment in his skull is a result of blunt trauma to the back of the head, but in the mummification process the ethmoid bone must be broken in order to reach the brain for extraction. Could the bone fragment in the x-rays possibly be a fragment of the ethmoid bone? I just think that would explain the unknown bone fragment in his skull.

Thanks,
Amy
A:   Amy, Your evaluation, and that of experts like Bob Brier might be correct.

From a criminologist and forensic standpoint, we don't feel that the ethmoid bone is the culprit that we are looking at. If in fact that bone had been broken during the extraction of the brain, we think it would have been covered by the hot resins that would have been poured in over the bone fragment.

Also, in evaluating the actual x-rays that we were given access to, Dr. Boyer, a Forensic Radiologist (along with two additional colleagues) determined that there actually wasn't a fracture to the base of Tut's skull, but that the image was actually a "ghost image" from the other side of the skull. In other words, it wasn't such a good x-ray after-all. We are suggesting that the bone fragment may have come from the orbital region in the front of the skull and that it fell into its final resting place as it dried over time.

Isn't this an exciting case! Thank you for taking the time to email!
Mike King

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Q:   Hello, How did you decide to explore this case? Were you approached with this ancient case or was it something you have always wanted to do. I love forensics and Egyptology and think that both of you are lucky to have such a wonderful opportunity to do this.

Best Wishes,
Amy
Indiana
A:   Amy, Thank you for the email. We were first approached by Atlantic Productions in London England. Atlantic, the producer of the film for the Discovery Channel questioned us regarding our opinion about whether current day forensic and investigative techniques could be used in an ancient investigation.

The producer and director of the film flew to Utah where we live to interview us personally. We later learned that we were among a pool of thirty potential investigators from around the world. As you might guess, we were very pleased to be picked for such an innovative and exciting project.

We, like you, have been fascinated with the Egyptian Empire, the Pharaoh’s and who can exclude the MUMMIES! We wouldn't have turned it down. And, it proved to be the experience of a lifetime. We had such a good feeling knowing that we brought additional light to an ancient subject.

Hearing of your love for forensics and Egyptology, I look forward to seeing your special on the Discovery Channel in twenty years! Keep up the good work and thanks again for the email!

Sincerely,
Mike King

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