Livor Mortis Defined as ‘Color of Death’. Coloration of the skin. At death, the heart stops working. When the heart stops working, the blood stops pumping and the red blood cells and plasma gather on the bottom part of the body, closet to the floor. A line forms after 8 hours if the body hasn’t been moved. If moved, a new line starts to form. It is impossible to tell which was first.

Algor Mortis Defined as ‘Coolness of Death’. Temperature of body. In a controlled environment, stating at 98.6 degrees, the body will drop one degree per hour. This happens because at death, the respiratory system stops working, the body stops functioning, it is no longer moving. When taking the temperature of a corpse, you can’t take it in the mouth because the muscles will be relaxed and the tongue wont stay on top of the thermometer. Thinner people cool faster then fat people.

Rigor Mortis Defined as ‘Stiffness of Death’. Flexibility of the body. Shows up 2 hours after death Peaks 12 hours after death. Takes 12-24 hours for entire rigor mortis effect to take place. The eyelids are affected first, the the jaw, face, trunk, arms, legs. Ends after 24-36 hours.

Autopsy Process In certain cases such as child abuse, spinal injury, and subtle blunt trauma more extensive dissection and removal may be completed Other specialized techniques

Obtaining Appropriate Specimens Toxicology requires adequate specimens for testing Blood is usually taken from aorta or heart Urine from the bladder Vitreous humor from eyes Information from medical history, witness statements, scene examination, and autopsy may be used to search for other drugs or poisons P 36

Microscopic Examination Small portions of organs are put into a solution of formaldehyde to preserve them for study Diseased or injured sections of tissue are taken, as is normal tissue Tissue is encased in paraffin and mounted on slides with H&E dye for examination under light microscope

DNA Analysis Most coroners and medical examiners preserve one specimen of tissue for DNA analysis If tissue sits in formaldehyde for too long, DNA becomes hydrolyzed and unsuitable for study DNA embedded in paraffin blocks or cut into sections and made into slides will not further decompose P 37

DNA Collection Methods to accomplish this: Blood spotted on absorbent paper allowed to dry then stored in envelope Pull head hairs, including bulbs, and place in envelope Cut hair has mitochondrial DNA, bulbs include nuclear DNA

Report Preparation Forensic Pathologists provide a written report of each autopsy Gross examination- can be seen by unaided eye Microscopic examination- requires a microscope Forensic Pathologists dissect, prepare notes and diagrams, receive reports, and dictate final autopsy report P 39

Gross Autopsy Reports Should contain information regarding: Discussion of external examination Medical treatment evidence on body Evidence of injuries Dissection technique Diagnoses based on gross autopsy 39

Case Presentation driver of a semi-tractor trailer transporting diesel fuel who was involved in a motor vehicle collision on the I-74 interstate in Shelby County, Indiana

Burn victim with surgical escharotomy

Burn victim with surgical escharotomy

Scientific Identification

CASE

Soot below vocal cords

CASE Black soot-like material within bilateral bronchial system and larynx Cherry-red blood Pink discoloration of muscles No evidence of blunt force trauma Upper and lower jaws with partial fragmentation Extensive full thickness thermal burns to entire body Postmortem toxicology negative for drugs of abuse panel Positive dental identification made by Dr. Edwin Parks 

Cause and Manner CAUSE OF DEATH MANNER OF DEATH   CAUSE OF DEATH Asphyxia due to smoke inhalation and thermal injury to entire body MANNER OF DEATH Accident

Amputation of Right Hand with soft tissue avulsion

Blunt injury- Liver rupture.

Stab wounds Mechanism Extent of Injury Severe injury Sharp: Tissue disruption Blunt: Crush injury Extent of Injury Weapon size, length, sharpness, penetration Severe injury Chest, Neck, and abdomen 4+ wounds

Stab wounds Mechanism Extent of Injury Severe injury Sharp: Tissue disruption Blunt: Crush injury Extent of Injury Weapon size, length, sharpness, penetration Severe injury Chest, Neck, and abdomen 4+ wounds

Hesitation Marks—think suicide

Testimony Forensic pathologists may spend considerable time testifying as to their findings In criminal court, testimony of a forensic pathologist is almost required In civil court, forensic pathologists may be called upon to testify as a result of torts (civil wrongs) alleged to have caused death 39

Testimony Forensic pathologists either give testimony via subpoena for civil cases, or via their presence in court for criminal case Forensic pathologists also testify as expert witnesses in cases where they did not examine body of deceased 40

Testimony Forensic pathologist subject to ad hominem attacks by opposing counsel Ad hominem- attack on person themselves instead of their testimony

Conclusion Questions or comments ???????? Email: pathdrsozio@hotmail.com