Ned Kelly, found

In Australia, the law finally has its man. The skeleton of Ned Kelly, Australia's most famous outlaw, was confirmed by forensic scientists Thursday as being among remains found at Pentridge Prison in the southern city of Melbourne—albeit missing most of the skull.

Known for leading daring bank raids and blazing through police shootouts wearing homemade armor—including a helmet that resembled a tin can—Kelly ranks among the 19th century's most notorious outlaws, with a myth as strong as U.S. sharpshooters Jesse James and Billy the Kid. In a time of steep poverty he was something of a hero to the rural poor, who identified with him in his battles against authority. His execution in 1880 polarized Australian society.

Hanged by the neck until dead at Old Melbourne jail, he was buried among other executed prisoners within the grounds, and though his remains were thought to have been moved to Pentridge Prison with the rest in 1929, authorities didn't know for sure. The bones now confirmed as Kelly's were found buried in a wooden ax box in 2009, and identified through the application of CT scanning, X-rays, pathology, odontology, anthropology and DNA testing—Leigh Oliver, the great grandson of Ned's sister Ellen, provided a sample for comparison.

Posted by David on September 1, 2011 9:13 AM