1. INVESTIGATION OF SUSPICIOUS DEATHS
FORENSIC PATHOLOGY

2. Pathologist’s Viewpoint
“What we require”
INFORMATION
Status of the Scene
Liaison with Technical Bureau/ Scenes of Crime for Scene Visit
Coroner MUST be informed!

3. SCENE VISIT Forensic Suit,Overshoes,Mask,Gloves etc.
Photography/Video first
Limit Examination of Body at Scene----DO NO DAMAGE!
Body Temperature—may be preferable to defer until mortuary
SWABS—if essential and can be taken without major disturbance

4. SCENE
BAGGING of HEAD and HANDS
PAPER v.Plastic bags

5. Removal of Clothing Disturbance Loss of Evidence
Usually best avoided at Scene---unless special circumstances

6. Potential Weapons BAG for Scientific Examination
Avoid bringing into mortuary dissecting room
Can examine in a sealed container or bag,in an office,outside the P.M.suite
While weapon still secure in a container,can take a photocopy

7. Body Temperature Of little evidential value Best left until mortuary
Rectal temperature --- after swabs taken
Ambient temperature at scene
Mortuary has Space,Light,Technical Assistance

8. AUTOPSY Autopsy is NOT the end of the process,just the beginning
Alcohol
Toxicology for Drugs (Prescription and Illicit)
Histology
Neuropathology
Cardiac Pathology etc. in rare instances

9. AUTOPSY Debriefing at end of P.M. Summary of Findings
Statement if required
N.B.--- the Pathologist’s provisional opinion may be revised by the time of the final report

10. ORGAN RETENTION MAY BE REQUIRED IN EXCEPTIONAL CASES
Brain for Neuropathological Examination is commonest
Heart for expert cardiac pathology
Lungs --- Industrial Lung Disease
MUST notify Next of Kin of Organ Retention

11. GLOSSARY WOUNDS and INJURIES 1. Bruises 2. Abrasions 3.Lacerations
4. Incised wounds (Slash wounds)
5. Stab (Penetrating) wounds

12. WOUNDS and INJURIES SIZE SHAPE
POSITION --- relate to at least two anatomical landmarks
Ageing of Injuries

13. PLEA to INVESTIGATORS PLEASE!!!
Follow up with additional information requested by us
Background Information
Medical History
Case Notes
Clinical Summary (if patient was in hospital)

14. Investigation of a Suspicious Death
Accurately establish the circumstances surrounding the death

15. Investigating Officer
ASKS
Has a crime been committed?
If so,who is responsible?
If the person responsible is traced,is there sufficient evidence to charge that person and support a prosecution?

16. Role of the Forensic Pathologist
Cause of Death --- prompt P.M.
Circumstances of Death --- Natural,Accident,Suicide or Homicide
Time of Death --- Body Cooling,Rigor Mortis
Identification --- Visual, Dental, DNA
Collection of Trace Evidence

17. SCENE WHERE THE BODY IS DISCOVERED Where the person died?
Where the person was injured?
Where body moved to,or was moved to?
Where the body was concealed?
Where the body was removed from?
THE BODY!!!

18. Why Visit the Scene? Because Someone Asked Me To
To View the Body In-Situ --- cf relationship to furniture,signs ofdisturbance,bloodstains,potential weapons
Assess how long dead
Preliminary Assessment of Cause and Mechanism of Death --- marks,pattern of injury

19. Why Not Visit the Scene? No Body at Scene
Pathologist does not routinely visit Scene
Pathologist too Distant from Scene
Pathologist 2nd,3rd,4th to be involved
Swift removal of body from scene is desirable
Scene is Unsafe
Initially not regarded as Suspicious

20. “REVISIT” the SCENE In Person after the P.M. View Photographs
View Video
Modern Technology --- Video links
Sketches
Witness Statements

21. Why Visit or Re-Visit Reconstruct Events
Identify potential weapons,objects or surfaces that may have caused injuries
Identify where the injuries were sustained
Assess order of injuries
Post-Injury Movement
Continuous Attack v. Repeated Attacks