Using Insects to Determine Time of Death
Body temperature, lividity, rigor mortis, decomposition – all factors in estimating time of death. What’s a surprising element that can also aid in TOD estimation? BUGS. That’s right. Contrary to being an unwelcome visitor in your home, insects discovered at death scene investigations are considered to be important pieces of evidence. By examining these bugs, investigators can discover whether or not a body was moved, if a body has been disturbed, if drugs were present in the body prior to decomp, notably, the time of death, and much more. Researcher and crime scene consultant, Dick Warrington, stresses that in order for crime scene investigators to take full advantage of the benefits provided by forensic entomology, they must first understand how to handle the scene. Observing, recording, photographing, and collecting samples of the insects is the key for an accurate analysis. If all steps are completed properly, forensic entomologists can uncover the aforementioned invaluable information.
Did these buggy facts capture your interest? See the full article here
Source: forensicmag.com
Citation:
Warrington, D. Forensic Magazine. Crime Scene Bugs. Retrieved September 11, 2013, from http://www.forensicmag.com/articles/2010/10/crime-scene-bugs#.UjEsEWTBK7N
[Abstract written by Alexandra Mitzel, ForensIQ Update Reporter]
