Forensics Death And Investigation

Forensic Entomology

The study of insects to estimate the Post-Mortem Interval (PMI).

Post-Mortem Interval (PMI)

The length of time between death and when the body was found.

Blowfly Arrival Time

Usually the first insect to arrive, often within 15 minutes.

Blowfly Life Cycle Stages

Egg, Larva (1st, 2nd, 3rd instar), Pupa, and Adult Fly.

Beetle Arrival Time

Arrive in later stages of decomposition; feed on body or maggots.

Factors that speed up insect activity

High moisture, warm temperatures, and sun exposure.

Factors that slow down insect activity

Rain, shade, and exposure to air (dries the body).

Livor Mortis

The "Leaden-Color of Death"; blood settles in lower parts of the body.

Lividity Timeline

Starts at 2 hours; becomes permanent after 8 hours.

Rigor Mortis

The "Rigidity of Death"; stiffening of muscles due to calcium buildup.

Rigor Mortis Timeline

Starts at 2 hours; peaks at 12 hours; disappears after 36 hours.

Algor Mortis

The "Chill of Death"; body temperature drops after death.

Algor Mortis Cooling Rate

1.5 degrees F per hour initially, then 1.0 degree after 12 hours.

Autolysis

Cell "self-digestion" that begins during the Fresh stage.

Putrefaction

Destruction of soft tissues by bacteria, causing gas and odors.

Slippage

The separation of outer skin from underlying tissue during decay.

Adipocere

A greasy wax formed from body fat in moist conditions.

The Body Farm

Research facility in Knoxville, TN used to study decomposition.

Manner, Cause, and Mechanism (Gimkit Format)

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Manner of Death

The 5 legal categories: Natural, Accidental, Suicidal, Homicidal, Undetermined.

Cause of Death

The specific reason life ended (e.g., shooting, drowning, stabbing).

Mechanism of Death

The physiological change that stopped life (e.g., loss of blood, asphyxia).

Stomach Contents (Undigested)

Indicates death occurred 0 to 2 hours after the last meal.

Stomach Contents (Empty)

Indicates death occurred 4 to 6 hours after the last meal.

Toxicology: Drug Schedules (Gimkit Format)

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Schedule I Drugs

High abuse potential, no accepted medical use (Heroin, LSD, Marijuana).

Schedule II Drugs

High abuse potential, restricted medical use (Meth, Cocaine, Opium).

Schedule III Drugs

Moderate abuse potential, accepted medical use (Tylenol 3, Steroids).

Schedule IV Drugs

Low abuse potential, accepted medical use (Xanax, Ambien, Valium).

Schedule V Drugs

Lowest abuse potential, often OTC meds (Cough meds with Codeine).

Non-Controlled Substances

Substances with no federal "Schedule" (Alcohol, Insulin, Tylenol).

Heavy Metal Toxins

Non-drug poisonous substances such as Lead and Arsenic.