1. Aim: SWBAT explain what causes algor mortis, and use algor mortis evidence to estimate time of death
Date: May 6, 2013
Do Now: In one sentence, explain how you would estimate time of death using rigor mortis

2. Estimating Time of Death using Rigor Mortis
Identify portion of body exhibiting (or not exhibiting rigor)
Use table to identify time period

3. Agenda Rigor Mortis Estimation of time of Death
Factors affecting Estimate
Algor Mortis
Factors affecting Algor Mortis

4. Rigor Mortis
12 hrs – peak rigor
48 hrs
0 hrs

5. Factors Affecting Rigor Mortis
Temperature
Body Weight
Clothing
Illness
Exercise
Sun Exposure

6. Factors Affecting Rigor Mortis
Can change estimate
Adjust estimate accordingly

7. Rigor Mortis
12 hrs – peak rigor
48 hrs
0 hrs

8. Estimating time of Death Using Rigor Mortis
Man found dead buried in snow. Rigor in the legs only.
Woman dies during the summer, exhibits no rigor.

9. Practice
Complete problems 6 – 9 on the worksheet.

10. Rigor Mortis
12 hrs – peak rigor
48 hrs
0 hrs

11. Review
hours ago hours 8. Cannot be determined, more evidence needed – 48 hours

12. Algor Mortis Death Heat Body Temp – Living 37 C (98.6 F)
Body fails, heat leaves body
Temp taken from liver
Estimate Time of Death

13. Factors Affecting Algor Mortis
Environment
Temperature
Body Fat
Clothing

14. Red Light
In your notebooks, answer the following question: What causes algor mortis?

15. Estimating Time of Death – Algor Mortis
Body loses heat over time
Living Body Temperature – 37° C (98.6° F)

16. Estimating Time of Death – Algor Mortis
A man is found on the side of the road. His body temperature is 32° C. How long has this man been dead?
6 hrs 25 mins

17. Steps: Calculate how many degrees have been lost
Greater or less than 12 hrs? (9.36° C)
Calculate any time left over.
Multiply decimal by 60 to get mins

18. Estimating Time of Death – Algor Mortis
A woman is found dead. Her body temperature is 28° C. How long has this woman been dead?
11 hrs 32 mins

19. Estimating Time of Death – Algor Mortis
A woman is found dead. Her body temperature is 20° C. How long has this woman been dead?
31 hrs 38 mins

20. Estimating Time of Death – Algor Mortis
Complete the worksheet problems

21. Red Light
In your notebooks, write the steps you would take to estimate time of death using algor mortis.