Lecture 8 - Establishing Time Since Death

M1: Osteology, Anthropology
& Forensic Context



Lecture 8
Establishing Time Since Death
 TOPICS FOR LECTURE 8
o The Mortises
 Rigor Mortis
Processes of  Livor Mortis
 Alvor Mortis
Death and
o Autolysis
Decomposition o Putrefaction
o Forensic Entomology
o Skeletal Deterioration


 EXTERNAL FACTORS
o Insects, carnivores, exogenous bacteria, and fungi
 INTERNAL FACTORS
o AUTOLYSIS
Process of  Results from cell death and action of enzymes that work
Decomposition against the cell and destroy it
o PUTREFACTION
 Consumption of the body by endogenous bacteria
 Consumption from the “inside out”


 Chemical binding of muscle fibers
 Muscles lock in place
 Apparent  1-2 hours
 Complete Stiffness  12 hours
 Releases  24-48 hour




Rigor Mortis




 WATCH OUT FOR  the progression being highly specific
o Hot Environment = Quicker Rigor Mortis
o Cold Environment = Slower Rigor Mortis
o Carbon Dioxide Poisoning = Slower Rigor Mortis
o Body, Built = Slower or No Rigor Mortis