FSC Chapter 5

Death Investigation

Autopsy

the examination of a body after death.

Blunt-force Injuries

caused by a non-sharpened object such as a bat or pipe.

Sharp-force Injuries

occurs from weapons with sharp edges, such as knives or blades.

Asphyxia

a variety of conditions that involve interference with the intake of oxygen.

Gunshot Wounds

projectiles fired by a firearm.

Manner of Death

the circumstances that led to the fatal result.

Homicide

non-accidental death resulting from grossly negligent, reckless, or intentional acts of another person.

Suicide

an individual taking his or her own life.

Accidental

no intent to cause harm through gross negligence on the part of a perpetrator or the victim.

Natural

death from disease, environmental abuse, age

Undetermined

a rational classification cannot be established.

Algor Mortis

the process in which a body adjusts to equalize with the environmental temperature. body loses heat by 1-1.5 degree F per hour.

Livor Mortis

the settling of blood in areas of the body closest to the ground. begins 20 minutes to 3 hours after death and continues up to 16 hours.

Rigor Mortis

the shortening of muscle tissue and the stiffening of body parts in the position at death. Occurs withing 24 hours and disappears within 36.

Forensic Anthropology

concerned primarily with the identification and examination of human skeletal remains.

Forensic Entomology

the study of insects and their relation to a criminal investigation. commonly used to estimate the time of death.