Autopsies

Death and Autopsies The dead body of a victim can be one of the most important pieces of evidence The body is treated just like all the other evidence Forensic pathologists examine the body’s anatomy, tissues, blood, organs etc. to determine a cause of death

Forensics Pathologists Must Answer Who is the victim? What injuries are present? When did the injuries occur? Why and how were the injuries produced? How did this person die?

Autopsy If observation cannot determine cause of death an autopsy is performed Autopsy – medical dissection and examination of a body in order to determine the cause of death. Five classifications for cause of death Natural Homicide Suicide Accident Undetermined

Evidence during Autopsy Victim is examined to determine cause or manner of death Tissues and organs are examined for abnormalities and toxins Coroner will send the following items to the forensic lab: Victim’s clothing Fingernail scrapings Head and pubic hair Blood (DNA) Vaginal, anal, and oral swabs (sex crimes) Recovered bullets from body Hand swabs from shooting victims

Collected evidence must be protected from any changes. Changes can occur through: Contamination Breakage Evaporation Accidental scratching Bending Or it can be lost all together Evidence should be kept in original condition unless it is attached to a large or unmovable object Example: Deliver the whole shirt to the lab not just the hair found on the shirt

Some tools that are used: Each item is placed in a separate container which prevents damage or cross contamination Some tools that are used: Forceps (tweezers) Unbreakable plastic pill bottles (hair/fibers) Manila envelopes, screw cap glass vials, cardboard pill boxes, folded paper, sealable plastic bag (trace evidence) Paper bags for clothing prevents mold from growing which can destroy DNA samples Charred debris should be stored in airtight containers to keep petroleum from evaporating (new paint cans/tightly sealed jars)

Estimating Time of Death Several stages of decomposition after death Medical examiner can determine time of death by observing which stage of decomposition the body is in. Rigor mortis – occurs between the first 24 and 36 hours of death. Muscles stiffen and the body becomes rigid. Livor mortis – settling of blood in areas of the body closest to the ground. The skin appears dark blue or purple in this area Algor mortis – body temperature cools until it reaches room temperature Can be affected by size and location of body, victims clothing, weather conditions Body loses heat at a rate of 1-1.5 degrees Fahrenheit per hour until it reaches room temperature

Determining potassium levels in ocular fluid can also be helpful in estimating time of death. Potassium is released from the cells after death so amount of potassium can tell you how long they have been dead Amount of food in the stomach can be used to determine when that person ate their last meal.