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Death Scene Investigation&
The Medicolegal Death Investigator
Kelly Green B.A., F-ABMDI
Senior Forensic Death Investigator
Tarrant, Parker & Denton County Medical Examiners District
What is a Medicolegal Death Investigator? Why is the Medical Examiners Office Here? What can the Medical Examiners Office do to help me?
Duties of the Death Investigator Scene Investigation Scene Photography Secure property that is on the deceased Arrange for proper transportation of the body Preserve Trace Evidence ID the Deceased Notify the Next of Kin Obtain medical records of the Deceased
In Other Words:
The Forensic Death Investigator is the “Eyes and Ears” of the Forensic Pathologist
Goal:To conduct a thorough, independent, investigation of the circumstances surrounding a death to provide the Forensic Pathologist factual data to be used in conjunction with the examination findings in order to reach a conclusion as to the Cause and Manner of Death
Types of Jurisdictions in Texas
A) Medical Examiner
B) Justice of the Peace
Medical Examiners Authority
Texas ccp. Art.49.25 Death occurring outside of a hospital, within 24 hours of
admission, or due to possible trauma or foul play. Death that occurs in custody Death of a child under age 6 Any death in which an attending physician is unable to
certify as to the cause of death
Scene Investigation.
Thorough examination of the scene seeking details or items that may be related to the death
Be alert for potential Hazards
Document:
Postmortem changes Position of the body Trauma Notes, or messages (computer, audio & Video
Tapes)
Illegal drugs Alcoholic beverages Weapons Medications
Blood Evidence (stains, spatter)
Useful Information
Medical History Medications and Container
pharmacy, physician, amount filled, date filled,amount remaining
Identification Documents
Photography
Photograph Surroundings
And Items that may be
Pertinent to the investigation
Exam of Body
General description of body and clothing Assessment of trauma Post-mortem changes Blood evidence Physical and trace evidence Presence or absence of valuables
Rigor Mortis
Starts in ½ to 1 hour at room temperature Peaks in approximately 12 hours Gradually declines after another 12 hours Can be affected by environment, antemortem
activity, and drug use.
Livor Mortis
“Pooling of the blood” Is “blanchable” at first then gradually becomes
fixed. Can indicate if a body has been moved after death. Color can indicate possible CO poisoning
Body Temperature
Algor Mortis
Decomposition
Begins at death. Is strongly affected by environment. Is caused by action of body enzymes, and bacteria
on tissue. Is slowed by immersion, burial, cold. 1 week in air = 2 weeks in water = 8 weeks in soil
Types of Trauma Blunt Force Sharp Force Electrical Chemical Thermal
Trace Evidence Preservation
Bags on Hands, Feet ect…. Paper not Plastic Wrapping in clean white sheet Placement in transport pouch. Alerting Prosector if biological evidence is
possibly present.
Identification
Done on scene if situation permits.
Otherwise accomplished at the TCME Office using Forensic methods
Types of Identification
Circumstantial
Visual
Forensic
Methods of Circumstantial Identification
Clothing Jewelry Place, Time, and/or Event
Methods of Visual Identification
In Person By Photograph Remote Viewing
Methods of Forensic Identification
DentalX-Rays (Anthropologic)FingerprintsDNA
Position of the body
Is it consistent with observed rigor, and lividity? Has the body been “posed”? Has the body been moves or dumped?
Autopsy Elements
Examination of the scene Identification of the decedent External and internal examination Toxicological and histological studies Interviews with witnesses, doctors, etc. Evaluation of relevant records
Autopsy Findings
Type of weapon used Consistency of wounds and evidence Determination of fatal wound Length of time of victim survival Post-injury abilities of decedent Whether body was dragged or dumped Vectors of applied force
Autopsy Purposes
Establish cause and manner of death Identify, recover, and preserve evidence Provide factual, objective medical report Separate natural deaths from unnatural Provide interpretation and correlation of
facts and circumstances
Cause Of Death
Gunshot wound to head Transection of aorta due to stab wound Cardio-respiratory Arrest
Manner of Death
Natural Accidental Homicide Suicide Undetermined
Services Provided by the Tarrant-Parker& Denton County Medical Examiners District
Examination Identification (Forensic Odentologist) Toxicology Firearms examination Fingerprint Examination (In House AFIS) Questioned Document Examination
Photography Lab Anthropology Lab DNA Testing Histology Lab Courtroom Testimony
Conclusion
The Medicolegal Death Investigator gathers Facts , and acts as the liaison on the scene between the Law Enforcement Investigator, and the Forensic Pathologist.
The Medical Examiners Office is present to determine the cause and manner death
The Medical Examiners Office can assist your investigation through the collection and scientific analysis of facts and evidence.