Comparison of Protocols for Measuring and Calculating Postmortem Submersion Intervals for Human Analogs in Fresh Water

被引:33
作者
Humphreys, Michael K. [1 ]
Panacek, Edward [2 ]
Green, William [3 ]
Albers, Elizabeth [4 ]
机构
[1] Univ Calif Davis, Forens Masters Program, Davis, CA 95616 USA
[2] Univ Calif Davis, Dept Emergency Med, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
[3] Univ Calif Berkeley, Sexual Assault Res Grp, Sacramento, CA 95814 USA
[4] Calif Dept Hlth Care Serv, Sacramento, CA 95814 USA
关键词
forensic science; aquatic decomposition; piglets as human analogs; underwater photography; decomposition visual score; HUMAN REMAINS; CARCASSES;
D O I
10.1111/1556-4029.12033
中图分类号
DF [法律]; D9 [法律]; R [医药、卫生];
学科分类号
0301 ; 10 ;
摘要
Protocols for determining postmortem submersion interval (PMSI) have long been problematic for forensic investigators due to the wide variety of factors affecting the rate of decomposition of submerged carrion. Likewise, it has been equally problematic for researchers to develop standardized experimental protocols to monitor underwater decomposition without artificially affecting the decomposition rate. This study compares two experimental protocols: (i) underwater in situ evaluation with photographic documentation utilizing the Heaton etal. total aquatic decomposition (TAD) score and (ii) weighing the carrion before and after submersion. Complete forensic necropsies were performed as a control. Perinatal piglets were used as human analogs. The results of this study indicate that in order to objectively measure decomposition over time, the human analog should be examined at depth using the TAD scoring system rather than utilizing a carrion weight evaluation. The acquired TAD score can be used to calculate an approximate PMSI.
引用
收藏
页码:513 / 517
页数:5
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