Chapter 12 - The Body as a Crime Scene Flashcards
Name three of the five observational conditions that are inconsistent with life.
· massive head trauma · decapitation · major evisceration · massive blood loss · evident decomposition
What is livor mortis?
Settling of blood in the body due to gravity after blood circulation ends.
What is rigor mortis?
Rigor mortis is evident stiffening of the muscles of the body. Affects all muscles of the body at the same rate, but typically evident first in the smaller muscles (jaw, face, neck, etc), then the larger muscle groups.
Who has the primary responsibility for estimating time of death?
The medical examiner.
Once the body is moved and recovered from the scene, what is an area of interest that the crime scene investigator must consider? Why?
The area that was beneath the body, to search for any items of evidence.
Why is the corpse reexamined at the mortuary by the crime scene investigator?
It’s a controlled environment, typically has better lighting, collection of evidence from inside the body and documenting all wounds observed.
Who is the best qualified person to examine a live victim?
A doctor or nurse, preferably of the same sex as the victim. (e.g. SANE nurse)
What is the difference between the two general sharp force injuries, stab and incised wounds?
Stab wound is deeper than it is wide, while an incised wound is longer than it is deep.
What is the primary observational difference between an entry and exit gunshot wound?
Entry: abrasion ring, GSR/burns, shape
Exit: shape, lack of GSR/burns and usually no abrasion ring (except for shored wounds: tight clothing/surface pressed against the skin)
What is standard anatomical position and why is it important when considering the description of the gunshot wound offered by the medical examiner?
Standing straight up with the arms at the respective sides. The body is able to move and twist, so the orientation of injuries in the body may not be the same as the bullet flight path
What is the time frame for livor mortis?
Onset occurs as little as within 30 minutes after death, becoming fixed within 8 hours. Many variables affect the time frame.
What is the time frame for rigor mortis?
Can appear within 2 hours of death, sets between 8 to 12 hours, begins to break down and disappear typically 24-48 hours after death. Many variables affect the time frame.
Where on the body will decomposition typically manifest itself first?
A blue-green discoloration in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
How soon will flies begin laying eggs on a deceased body?
Within 20 minutes!
