Evidence to be Collected at Autopsy Victim’s clothing Fingernail scrapings Head and pubic hairs Blood (for DNA typing) Vaginal, anal, and oral swaps (sex-crimes) Recovered bullets/knives from body Hand swabs from shooting victims (for GSR analysis)

What is an Autopsy? Postmortem examination of the organs and tissues of a body to determine cause of death or pathological conditions. Includes the dissection of a corpse.

Type of Autopsies Medical Forensic Private

Why do an Autopsy? Primary reason is to determine cause of death, there are other benefits to individual families, the practice of medicine, and the community at large.

Benefits of an Autopsy Allaying a family’s fears about what they could have done to prevent the death. Providing family members information about potential genetic diseases that may have implications for them.

Benefits of an Autopsy Medical education, training and research leading to improved health care. Providing information about preventable causes of disease and accident and other public health hazards.

Forensic Benefits of an Autopsy Investigation of homicide, suspected homicide, other unexplained or suspicious deaths, and deaths apparently due to accident or injury.

Autopsy-Steps Involved: External Examination measurements - length, weight inspection of external surface for any recent injury, discoloration, “cause of death” signs

Autopsy-Steps Involved: 2. Opening of Trunk a. ‘Y’ incision b. Open rib cage c. Condition of heart d. Remove organs

Autopsy 2d. Remove Organs: must cut ligaments holding organs in the body cavity and through the trachea and rectum transfer organ block to a dissecting table examine organs in proper order (weigh, physical exam in and out, take tissue samples, save other appropriate samples)

Autopsy-Steps Involved: 3. Remove brain cut around cranium using “Stryker saw” store for 2 weeks in 10% formaldehyde 4. Closing