Forensic anthropologist discusses Erica Parsons’ injuries

RALEIGH, N.C. — When detectives finally located the body of Erica Parsons in a shallow grave in South Carolina in 2016, it had been nearly five years since she was killed.

All that remained were her bones, but they told a powerful story of her life and death.

Dr. Ann Ross, a forensic anthropologist at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, said she spent three months studying every segment of Erica’s skeleton to identify every injury.

“I had never seen the level of trauma, because it was everywhere,” Dr. Ross said.

Dr. Ross spoke with Channel 9 about the extent of Erica’s injuries and the neglect she endured.

We have to warn you, the segment at the top of this page is difficult, but the evidence was critical in sending Erica’s killers to prison.

©2021 Cox Media Group