Scene Investigation

Question 1

What can you get from Interviews with Family and Friends

Answer 1

Medical hx
Hx of OTC and illicit drug use
Depressive triggers in life
Recent death of a loved one
Anniversary of the death of a loved one
Divorce/loss of SO
Arrests/pending jail time

Question 2

Physical evidence

Answer 2

Physical scene and surroundings
Out-of-place products
Medical appliances

Question 3

Pt name

Answer 3

Rx and OTC drugs
Herbal substances
Pill counts
Date filled

Question 4

Evidence of Drug paraphelia

Answer 4

Heroin, cocaine,
Spoons, foils, bongs, and pipes

Question 5

Drug Paraphernalia 3 studys pick one

Answer 5

Lozano et at (2017) Bexar Co TX
4000 cases – 4-year period
815 drug-related deaths
24% para [cocaine/heroin]
Crandall et al [2006] NM USA
Heroin deaths
51% para
24% other drugs of abuse
Li and Smialek MD USA
22% para found at the scene
Cautioned – family/friends hide, remove, or “clean up” scene prior to MIs or first responder

Question 6

Social Media

Answer 6

SM can play an important role in death investigations
Identification
Search History
Post gives the date/time stamp
Last known alive based upon last SM activity, Assessing tablet count
Manner:Virtual suicide note,Communication to others of intent,General deportment
Caution: fake profiles

Question 7

Weather

Answer 7

Hypothermia;Extreme cold
Hyperthermia: Extreme hot