Citation

Baumjohann K, Benecke M. Forensic Sci. (Basel) 2022; 2(4): 725-740.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, MDPI: Multidisciplinary Digital Publications Institute)

DOI

10.3390/forensicsci2040054

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Decompositional processes depend on temperature, humidity, and light, as well as on animals that can access the body. In low-level cases, suicides, or cases of self-neglect especially, these factors are not always taken into consideration because a full investigation may not have taken place. Misinterpretations of environmental factors can put crime scene investigators on the wrong track, and natural causes of missing tissue may be wrongly interpreted as violence or wounds. Here, we give some examples for the influence of invertebrate land animals on corpses. © 2022 by the authors.

Language: en

Keywords

decomposition; crime scene investigations; blow fly maggots; forensic biology; misinterpretation; snails; wasps