1. Death Investigation

2. To determine cause, mechanism, and manner of death
If homicide, who caused death?
3 major phases:
- at death scene
- autopsy at morgue
- lab tests

3. At Death Scene
Death investigator – initial assessment of body and death scene
Photos and sketches
- position of body
- identification
- visual record of lividity, blood and trace evidence, etc.

4. Document signs of trauma
Make observations about time of death (TOD)
- can help ID suspects, confirm alibis

5. Postmortem Interval (PMI) = time b/t death and discovery of body
- longer PMI = less accurate ETD
Look for:
signs of livor mortis (30 min – 2 hrs)/ rigor mortis (2-4 hrs)
degree of decomposition
scene markers = nonbiological evidence that gives clues to TOD

6. Collect evidence, chain of custody, sent to lab
Paper bags over hands and feet
Body wrapped in clean sheet or bag for transport
Protects trace evidence

7. Interview witnesses, victim’s family
- Gathers info re: normal routine
Reviews victim’s medical history and police reports
- tests for ME to order