Can we infer post mortem interval on the basis of decomposition rate? A case from a Portuguese cemetery

Abstract Post mortem interval estimation is crucial in forensic sciences for both positive identification and reconstruction of perimortem events. However, reliable dating of skeletonized remains poses a scientific challenge since human remains decomposition involves a set of complex and highly vari...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Forensic science international 2013-03, Vol.226 (1), p.298.e1-298.e6
Main Authors: Ferreira, M. Teresa, Cunha, Eugénia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Age
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Anthropology
Body Composition
Burial
Cause of Death
Cemeteries
Cemetery management
Climate
Dating
Decomposition
Exhumation
Female
Forensic anthropology
Forensic engineering
Forensic Pathology
Forensic science
Forensic sciences
Groundwater
HIV Infections - pathology
Human
Humans
Infection - pathology
Intervals
Legal medicine
Male
Methods
Middle Aged
Municipal government
Overweight - pathology
Pathology
Portugal
Post mortem interval (PMI)
Postmortem Changes
Reconstruction
Retrospective Studies
Studies
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Summary:Abstract Post mortem interval estimation is crucial in forensic sciences for both positive identification and reconstruction of perimortem events. However, reliable dating of skeletonized remains poses a scientific challenge since human remains decomposition involves a set of complex and highly variable processes. Many of the difficulties in determining post mortem interval and/or the permanence of a body in a specific environment relates with the lack of systematic observations and research in human body decomposition modalities in different environments. In March 2006, in order to solve a problem of misidentification, a team of the South Branch of Portuguese National Institute of Legal Medicine carried out the exhumation of 25 identified individuals buried for almost five years in the same cemetery plot. Even though all individuals shared similar post mortem intervals, they presented different stages of decomposition. In order to analyze the post mortem factors associated with the different stages of decomposition displayed by the 25 exhumed individuals, the stages of decomposition were scored. Information regarding age at death and sex of the individuals were gathered and recorded as well as data in the cause of death and grave and coffin characteristics. Although the observed distinct decay stages may be explained by the burial conditions, namely by the micro taphonomic environments, individual endogenous factors also play an important role on differential decomposition as witnessed by the present case.
ISSN:0379-0738
1872-6283
DOI:10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.01.006