Death Scene Investigations

Question 1

How many reported deaths were there in Canada in 2017?

Answer 1

276,689 reported deaths

Question 2

What percentage of deaths in Canada in 2017 occurred outside of a hospital?

Answer 2

40%

Question 3

How many suicides were reported in Canada in 2017?

Answer 3

3,974 deaths (3.6%)

Question 4

What is the role of the Coroner’s Office in Ontario regarding death scene investigations?

Answer 4

Oversees all death scene investigations

Question 5

What five questions must a coroner or forensic pathologist answer during a death investigation?

Answer 5

• Who (identity of the deceased)
• When (date of death)
• Where (location of death)
• How (medical cause of death)
• By what manner (natural, accident, homicide, suicide, undetermined)

Question 6

What types of death are classified as unnatural?

Answer 6

• Suicide
• Homicide
• Undetermined
• Accidental

Question 7

What is the definition of Cause of Death (COD)?

Answer 7

The injury or disease responsible for causing the death

Question 8

What is the first step in the forensic response to death scenes?

Answer 8

Call/request for service

Question 9

What should be considered when assessing a death scene?

Answer 9

• Scene information/intelligence
• Confirmation of Coroner’s involvement
• Authority required to process the scene

Question 10

True or False: The police can seize evidence at an indoor death scene without the Coroner’s permission.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

What should be treated as unknown until proven otherwise in a death scene investigation?

Answer 11

The scene itself

Question 12

What are some common indicators to look for at a death scene?

Answer 12

• Signs of forced entry
• Footwear and tire tracks
• Blood stains
• Cigarette butts

Question 13

What are some mechanisms (causes) of suicide?

Answer 13

• Overdose
• Shooting
• Hanging
• Stabbing
• Crash
• Drowning

Question 14

Fill in the blank: A _______ is required for identification purposes when recovered human remains are fragmented, dismembered, or burnt.

Answer 14

[forensic anthropologist]

Question 15

What is the significance of tooth enamel in forensic odontology?

Answer 15

It is the hardest substance of human anatomy and persists in harsh conditions.

Question 16

What is the primary concern of forensic anthropology?

Answer 16

Identification and examination of human skeletal remains

Question 17

What is the difference between first-degree murder and second-degree murder?

Answer 17

• First-degree: premeditated death
• Second-degree: intended to kill but not preplanned

Question 18

What should be the first action taken when processing a homicide scene inside a suspect’s property?

Answer 18

Obtain a search warrant

Question 19

What are the initial steps in processing a body found at a crime scene?

Answer 19

• Note position of body
• Measure position in detail
• Look for trace evidence

Question 20

What is the role of a forensic pathologist?

Answer 20

Conducts autopsy and determines cause and manner of death

Question 21

What factors may indicate a suspicious death?

Answer 21

• Cause of death is unclear
• Decomposition
• No known family or friends
• Lack of medical history

Question 22

What must be done with evidence such as guns or pills at a death scene?

Answer 22

Seize and store them properly

Question 23

What is a Coroner’s warrant used for?

Answer 23

To obtain medical and dental records

Question 24

What should you do if you have doubts about the integrity of a crime scene?

Answer 24

Keep an open mind and assess all possibilities

Question 25

True or False: Only the Coroner can order a body to be removed from a scene.

Answer 25

True

Question 26

What is the importance of a crime scene log?

Answer 26

To document the investigation process and maintain scene integrity