Betty Pat Gatliff

Betty Pat Gatliff John Gacy Victim 28 Reconstruction 1980A

Betty Pat Gatliff (June 15, 1930 – January 5, 2020) was a pioneering forensic artist known for her work in facial reconstruction. Her contributions to the field have helped solve numerous cases by aiding in the identification of unknown decedents and assisting law enforcement in the capture of suspects. Gatliff's work combined artistry with science, utilizing both traditional sculpting techniques and digital methods to reconstruct faces from skeletal remains.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Betty Pat Gatliff was born in Oklahoma, where she developed an interest in art at a young age. Despite the lack of formal training in forensic science during her early years, Gatliff pursued a career that would eventually revolutionize the field of forensic art. She attended the University of Oklahoma, where she studied fine arts. Her path to becoming a forensic artist began serendipitously when she started working with medical examiners to help identify the deceased.

Career[edit | edit source]

Gatliff's career in forensic art began in the 1960s when she collaborated with anthropologist Dr. Clyde Snow, one of the foremost forensic anthropologists of his time. Together, they developed techniques for facial reconstruction that would later become standard practice in the field. Gatliff's method involved applying clay to a replica of the skull to rebuild the face layer by layer, based on average tissue thickness measurements and anatomical landmarks.

Her work has been instrumental in several high-profile cases, including the identification of John Wayne Gacy's victims and the reconstruction of the face of King Tutankhamun. Gatliff also played a crucial role in the development of the Clyde Snow method of facial reconstruction, which is taught worldwide.

In addition to her case work, Gatliff was a dedicated educator. She conducted workshops and seminars across the United States and internationally, teaching law enforcement officials, anthropologists, and aspiring forensic artists the techniques of forensic facial reconstruction.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Betty Pat Gatliff's legacy is marked by her contributions to the advancement of forensic art. She not only helped solve crimes and bring closure to families of the unidentified, but she also paved the way for future generations in the field. Her work has been featured in documentaries, books, and news articles, highlighting her role as a pioneer in forensic science.

Gatliff's dedication to her craft and her impact on the field are remembered through the Betty Pat Gatliff Award, an accolade given to individuals who have made significant contributions to forensic art.