Body as Evidence

Bellwork Quick write** Write everything you know about autopsies and dead bodys.

Standard 18 18) Review an autopsy report to determine the time and cause of death through evaluation of body temperature, rigor mortis, post mortem lividity, appearance of eyes, skin color, and presence of entomology. Document findings in an informative essay or other report.

Chapter 12 Forensic Entomology Kendall/Hunt

Chapter 12 Taxonomy Classification of Things in an Orderly Way We are interested in the phylum, Arthropoda; class, Insecta; order: Coleoptera (beetles) Diptera (flies) Kendall/Hunt

Forensic Entomology There are three areas of application: Chapter 12 Forensic Entomology Involves the use of insects and other arthropods to aid in legal investigations. Entomology is the study of insects. There are three areas of application: Insect damage to structures Infestation of foodstuffs Insects that inhabit human remains (focus of this chapter) Kendall/Hunt

The Process of Death Algor Mortis: Body cooling rate Chapter 12 The Process of Death Algor Mortis: Body cooling rate Hours since death = 98.4°F – internal body temperature 1.5 Livor Mortis: skin discoloration caused by pooling of blood Rigor Mortis: rigidity of skeletal muscles Temperature of body Stiffness of body Time since death Warm Not stiff Not dead more than 3 hours Stiff Dead between 3 and 8 hours Cold Dead between 8 and 36 hours Dead for more than 36 hours A pathologist estimates time of death from these factors. Kendall/Hunt

The Process of Death, continued Chapter 12 The Process of Death, continued Stage Description Initial or fresh decay (autolysis) The cadaver appears fresh externally but is decomposing internally due to the activities of bacteria present before death (0–4 days). Putrefaction or bloating The cadaver is swollen by gas produced internally, accompanied by the odor of decaying flesh (4–10 days). Black putrefaction Flesh of creamy consistency, with exposed body parts black. Body collapses as gases escape. Fluids drain from body. Odor of decay very strong (10–20 days). Butyric fermentation Cadaver drying out. Some flesh remains at first; cheesy odor from butyric acid (20–50 days). Dry decay (diagenesis) Cadaver almost dry; slow rate of decay. May mummify (50–365 days). Kendall/Hunt

Life Cycle of Insects Metamorphosis egg larva (maggot) pupa Chapter 12 Life Cycle of Insects Metamorphosis egg larva (maggot) pupa winged adult The life cycle of Musca domestica Kendall/Hunt

Chapter 12 Kendall/Hunt

Chapter 12 Time of Death Insects arrive at a decomposing body in a particular order (succession) and then complete their life cycle based on the surrounding temperature. By collecting and studying the types of insects found on a body and their metamorphic stage, a forensic entomologist can estimate the time of death. Kendall/Hunt

Insects of Death Diptera First to arrive Then Chapter 12 Insects of Death Diptera First to arrive Then Blowflies Flesh flies Houseflies Flies can arrive within minutes. They lay eggs that hatch to maggots. Maggots feed on soft, mushy body parts. More insects arrive to feed on the body and each other. Kendall/Hunt

Insects of Death, continued Chapter 12 Insects of Death, continued Coleoptera In rough order of appearance, from within hours to dry decay: Rove beetle Sexton beetle Clown beetle Dermestid beetle Hide beetle Some beetles feed on the corpse, some on maggots, some on other beetles. Kendall/Hunt

Variables Affecting Metamorphosis Chapter 12 Variables Affecting Metamorphosis Temperature The higher the temperature (within limits), the faster the growth. Kendall/Hunt

Variables Affecting Metamorphosis, continued Chapter 12 Variables Affecting Metamorphosis, continued Habitat Fly species can vary geographically according to climate, season, and habitat. Phormia regina Lucilia illustris For example, the fly pictured on the left prefers shade; the one on the right, sunlit areas. Kendall/Hunt

Other Applications of Forensic Entomology Chapter 12 Other Applications of Forensic Entomology Damage to structures, clothing, foodstuffs Location of wounds on a corpse Linking suspect to scene of crime Source of contraband Type of insects can trace vehicle movement Presence of drugs in corpse Kendall/Hunt

Collection of Evidence Chapter 12 Collection of Evidence Kendall/Hunt

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company Bellwork List at least 1 stage of death and its description Using complete sentences and the information from yesterday, define the role of the Entomogist and provide at least 3 facts about their job duties. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company Standard 18 Review an autopsy report to determine the time and cause of death through evaluation of body temperature, rigor mortis, post mortem lividity, appearance of eyes, skin color, and presence of entomology. Document findings in an informative essay or other report. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Human Remains Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 20

Forensic Anthropology Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Forensic Anthropology Forensic anthropology is a type of applied anthropology that specializes in the changes and variations in the human skeleton for the purpose of legal inquiry. Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 21

Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 22

Forensic Anthropology, continued Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Forensic Anthropology, continued A forensic anthropologist may provide basic identification information on skeletonized or badly decomposed remains. From a whole bone or part of a bone, the scientist may be able to determine: An age range Sex Race Approximate height Cause of death, disease, or anomaly Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 23

Osteology Osteology is the study of bones. Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Osteology Osteology is the study of bones. There are 206 bones in an adult human. Function of bones: Provide structure and rigidity Protect soft tissue and organs Serve as an attachment for muscles Produce blood cells Serve as a storage area for minerals Can detoxify the body by removing heavy metals and other foreign elements from the blood Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 24

Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Estimation of Height The height of a person can be calculated by measuring the length of certain long bones, including the femur, tibia, humerus, and radius. Below are the equations used to determine average measurements for both male and female. (All measurements are in centimeters.) Male Height, H H = femur  2.23 + 69.08 H = tibia  2.39 + 81.68 H = humerus  2.97 + 73.57 H = radius  3.65 + 80.40 Female Height, H H = femur  2.21 + 61.41 H = tibia  2.53 + 72.57 H = humerus  3.14 + 64.97 H = radius  3.87 + 73.50 Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 25

Age Determination Most accurate estimations are made from: Teeth Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Age Determination Most accurate estimations are made from: Teeth Epiphyses or growth plates Pubic symphysis Cranial sutures: The three major cranial sutures appear as distinct lines in youth and gradually close from the inside out. Investigators always use an age range because of the variation in people and how they age. The investigator does not want to eliminate any possibilities for identification. Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 26

Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Age By Teeth Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 27

Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Cranial sutures Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 28

Age Determination Using Cranial Sutures Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Age Determination Using Cranial Sutures Sagittal suture completely closed Male—26 or older Female—29 or older Sagittal suture completely open Male—less than 32 Female—less than 35 Complete closure of all three major sutures Male—over 35 Female—over 50 Sagittal suture Lambodial Coronal Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 29

Age Determination Using Basilar Suture Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Age Determination Using Basilar Suture Basilar suture Technically known as the synchondrosis spheno-occipitalis, closes in females as young as 14 and in males as young as 16. If the suture is open, the individual is generally considered to be 18 or younger. Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 30

Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Age Determination In long bones, the diaphysis, or shaft, makes up most of the bone’s length. The epiphyses are found at the ends of the bones; their function is to allow for growth. The epiphyses are good places to look for changes in estimating age. Though all people are different and grow at different rates, there are similarities that allow for generalizations in estimating age. Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 31

Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Definitions Stage 1: no epiphysis (the growth plate has not formed yet) Stage 2: non-union; the epiphysis and bone are separate Stage 3: partial union; the epiphysis is attached, but a line is visible Stage 4: complete union; the epiphysis is attached and a line is not visible Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 32

The Medial Clavicle in Stages 1–4 Chapter 12 Chapter 12 The Medial Clavicle in Stages 1–4 Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 33

Age Determination Using Epiphysis Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Age Determination Using Epiphysis Stage of Union of Medial Clavicle Male Female Non-union without separate epiphysis 21 or younger 20 or younger Non-union with separate epiphysis 16–21 17–20 Partial union 17–30 17–33 Complete union 21 or older 20 or older Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 34

Gender Differences in Bones Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Gender Differences in Bones Determination of sex is crucial to the analysis of unidentified human remains. The pelvis offers the most definitive traits. Comparison of three characteristics of the os pubis gives the information used to identify sex. Male Pelvis Female Pelvis Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 35

Gender Identification Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Gender Identification A. The female (top) has a wider pubic body than the male (bottom). B. The female has a wider subpubic concavity or subpubic angle. Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 36

Gender Identification, continued Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Gender Identification, continued C. Most females have a ventral arc present. Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 37

Male Female Subpubic Angle Human Remains Chapter 12 Chapter 12 18 Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 38

Determine which are male and which are female. Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Determine which are male and which are female. Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 39

Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Gender Differences The rib cage and shoulders of males are generally wider and larger than those of females. In addition, about one person in 20 has an extra rib. This is more common in males than in females. Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 40

Skull Gender Differences Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Skull Gender Differences Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 41

Gender Differences, continued Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Gender Differences, continued In males, the index finger is sometimes shorter than the third finger. In females, the index finger is sometimes longer than the third finger. This is not often used as an indicator of gender, as there are many exceptions. Is this a male or female hand according to the above rule? Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 42

Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Race Race is difficult to determine from most skeletal remains, especially since pure races are becoming uncommon. An experienced forensic anthropologist can generally place skulls into one of three groups: Caucasoid—European, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent Negroid—African, Aborigine, and Melanesian descent Mongoloid—Asian, Native American, and Polynesian descent Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 43

Bellwork Using complete sentences, describe 1 way Anthropologists can determine the age of someone and 1 way they can determine the sex of someone!

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company Standard 18 Review an autopsy report to determine the time and cause of death through evaluation of body temperature, rigor mortis, post mortem lividity, appearance of eyes, skin color, and presence of entomology. Document findings in an informative essay or other report. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Race Characteristics Caucasoids—have a long, narrow nasal aperture, a triangular palate, oval orbits, narrow zygomatic arches, and narrow mandibles. Negroids—have a wide nasal aperture, a rectangular palate, square orbits, and more pronounced zygomatic arches. The long bones are longer, and have less curvature and greater density. Mongoloids—have a more rounded nasal aperture, a parabolic palate, rounded orbits, wide zygomatic arches, and more pointed mandibles. Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 46

Chapter 12 Chapter 12 What differences do you notice among these three skulls? Can you determine race? Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 47

Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Facial Restoration After determining the sex, age, and race of an individual, facial features can be built upon a skull to assist in identification. Erasers are used to make tissue depths at various points on the skull. Clay is used to build around these markers, and facial features are molded. Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 48

Chapter 12 Chapter 12 The Body Farm The Body Farm is the nickname of a two-and-a-half-acre research facility in Tennessee developed in 1980 by Bill Bass where bodies are placed in various conditions and allowed to decompose. Its main purpose is to observe and understand the processes and timetable of postmortem decay. Over the years it has helped to improve the ability to determine “time since death” in murder cases. Hic locus est ubi mortui viveuntes docent. “ This is the place where the dead teach the living.” Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 49

Anthropologist at Work Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Anthropologist at Work This anthropologist is hard at work dusting away material from these embedded bones. Picture taken at Chicago’s Museum of Natural History Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 50

More Applications Forensic experts may be called upon Chapter 12 Chapter 12 More Applications Forensic experts may be called upon to give information on the life and death of humans and animals in unique circumstances, including: Mass murder (Oklahoma bombing, plane crashes, World Trade Center) Earlier man (mummies, Iceman, Lindow Man) Historical significance (Holocaust, uncertain death of famous people) Prehistoric animals (dinosaurs) Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 51

Animal Facial Restoration Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Animal Facial Restoration Determining what T. Rex looked like using the bone formation. From this: To this: Kendall/Hunt Kendall/Hunt 52

Forensic Pathology Death Detectives

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company Forensic Pathologist Forensic Pathologist - investigates sudden, unnatural, unexplained, or violent deaths. They usually perform autopsies to determine cause of death 4 yr. Degree + Med School + Residency + Medical Pathology Training (2 years) Work in hospitals or as medical examiner Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

Pathologist Conclusions Five Conclusions drawn for investigation: Natural Homicide Suicide Accident Undetermined Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company Forensic Pathologist Way time of death are determined: Algor Mortis - loss of body heat Livor Mortis - 0-12 hours, settling of blood Rigor Mortis - 24-36 hours, muscles relax and become rigid Potassium levels on ocular fluid Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

Livor Mortis – Lividity Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company Rigor Mortis Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company Pathologist v Coroner Coroner is elected official – no requirements exist, most funeral people Historically they solved crimes Power to call grand jury Being eliminated in other states Georgia still has position, county decision Fulton does not have a coroner Mostly shuffles paperwork, defers to medical examiner’s office Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

When notice to coroner/medical examiners office is required Death is: Violent Suicide Sudden w/ apparent good health Unattended by physician Suspicious, especially under 16 yoa Under 7 yoa unless expected Execution Inmate of state facility Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

When notice to coroner/medical examiners office is required Once notified they decide if further investigation is needed Autopsy a possibility Required in under 7 yoa Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company Autopsies Means - “see for yourself” Purpose is to learn the truth about the person's health during life, and how the person really died 2 types: medical & forensic "Hic locus est ubi mors gaudet succurrere vitae“ "This is the place where death rejoices to teach those who live” Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company Autopsies Religious Issues: Orthodox Jews: usually require Rabbi present, very resistant to autopsies Muslims: also resistant State has power to ignore religious concerns Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company Autopsies: Method examine the outside of the body body is opened using a Y-shaped incision from shoulders to mid-chest and down to the pubic region top of the skull is removed, and the brain is very carefully cut free breastbone and attached rib cartilages are removed chest organs, including the heart and lungs, are inspected Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company Autopsies: Method take blood from the heart to check for bacteria blood, urine, bile, or even the fluid of the eye used for chemical study and to look for medicine, street drugs, alcohols, and/or poisons After any organ is removed, the pathologist will save a section in preservative solution Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company Autopsies: Method Organs are all weighed Heart is removed Neck organs, large airways, and lungs are removed in one piece Liver is removed and sliced Digestive tract removed then renal/sex organs removed Any suspect organ is inspected closely Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company Autopsies: Method Organs returned to cavity or cremated Body sewn up, baseball stitch Head more carefully sewn Body washed and forwarded as requested by family Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company