Mummification in a forensic context: an observational study of taphonomic changes and the post-mortem interval in an indoor setting.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of mummification in an indoor setting, with an emphasis on the forensic perspective. A dataset of 102 forensic autopsy cases was assessed for distribution of desiccation of skin and soft tissue (i.e., subcutaneous fat and musculature) and for moist decompositional (i.e., putrefactive) changes. Further, possible correlation with the post-mortem interval (PMI) was evaluated, as well as the effects of clothing coverage of the body. The results indicated that yellow to orange parchment-like desiccated skin was found at significantly shorter PMIs than reddish brown to black leathery desiccated skin, even when soft tissue desiccation was included in the comparative analysis. Clothing appeared to have a significant decelerating effect on th

SUBMITTER: Ceciliason AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10247854 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature