The Art and Process of Forensic Autopsy Essay Example

to uncover any signs of trauma or other potential causes of death.

The role of forensic science and forensic pathologists is vital in criminal investigations, as they offer significant initial information. This article specifically discusses the techniques and significance of forensic autopsies. The term "autopsy" has its roots in the Greek word autopsia, which translates to "to see for oneself". According to The Free Dictionary (2010), a forensic autopsy refers to a postmortem examination conducted to determine the cause and manner of death.

There are two types of autopsies: clinical and medico-legal, also known as forensic autopsies. This text focuses on forensic autopsies performed by a forensic pathologist or Medical Examiner. These autopsies are conducted when there is suspicion of criminal activity related to the death. The main goals of a forensic autopsy include determining the precise cause and manner of death, identifying the deceased person, establishing the time since death, collecting trace evidence, and reconstructing the crime scene to assist law enforcement agencies in solving the crime (Charati, Jayachandar, Kotabagi, 2005).

In order to achieve the aforementioned goals, the "ultimate physical examination" consists of a thorough evaluation of medical history and the circumstances leading to death. This includes the gathering and recording of trace evidence found on and around the body, as well as the documentation of injuries through photography and cataloging. Additionally, the examination involves a comprehensive external examination from head to toe, an internal examination that includes dissecting organs and tissues, examining them under a microscope, and analyzing laboratory and toxicology examinations of tissues and fluids.

The autopsy report includes information on findings, conclusions, and the cause and manner of death. It

is an integral part of a comprehensive investigation that involves multiple steps to reach a final determination. The first step in this process is identifying the body, which can be aided by examining the surrounding circumstances. If an identification is found at or near the crime scene, it can be used for identification purposes. However, if no identification is found, alternative methods are employed to establish the identity of the deceased.

When a missing person is identified through personal characteristics or belongings found with a deceased body, the family may need to confirm the identification. If confirmation is not possible, more advanced methods of identification are employed. Obtaining clear friction ridge impressions from human remains can be challenging for examiners when using fingerprinting. Although fingerprinting techniques for living and deceased individuals may appear similar technically, they often have significant differences.

The process of fingerprinting can be more difficult due to environmental damage and decomposition, which often compromise the fingerprints of recovered bodies. To address this, forensic examiners employ a three-step process that aids in fingerprinting. This process involves examining and cleaning the friction skin, restoring compromised friction ridge skin, and documenting post-mortem impressions. Initially, examiners assess the hands/fingers to identify and understand the cause of tissue damage, as this impacts the cleansing method used.

After cleansing the fingers, the examiner will attempt to rejuvenate the skin using different techniques like stretching or injecting tissue-building substances. The goal is to remove wrinkles caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. Furthermore, boiling methods involve briefly immersing the hand in water for 5-10 seconds to improve visibility of ridge details. Only once the skin has been successfully restored can

the examiner proceed with making fingerprint impressions. Dental identification.

The purpose of the postmortem dental examination is to identify and document anatomical structures, dental restorations, and dental appliances that can assist in the comparison process (Schrader & Tabor, 2010). Dental evidence comparison has become a highly reliable method of identification due to the strong nature of human teeth, which can endure decomposition and extreme temperature changes. However, the specific circumstances surrounding the death significantly influence the complexity of dental identification.

Dental identification is a step-wise process, similar to other investigative techniques. It involves utilizing photography, dental radiography, and dental charting to create accurate post mortem dental records that can be compared with antemortem dental records. Photography helps with examination without the need to revisit the morgue. It is important to take photographs from different angles, including macro photographs, to examine the details of various structures. Additionally, photographs assist in minimizing physical contact with delicate remains that could potentially deteriorate further.

Dental radiography is a technique used to locate specimens that are not easily identifiable as human facial structure. Large-scale radiographs can help to locate radiopaque structures, including facial bones, that may be found inside the body bag or swallowed teeth. After locating all dental material, additional radiographs can be taken to reconstruct the antemortem dental record (Schrader ; Tabor). Dental charting is another important process in recording postmortem dental records in a way that is useful for comparison.

Having comprehensive records of missing or damaged teeth, as well as restored teeth, is crucial. These records are important for pathologists to accurately match postmortem and antemortem records, aiding in the identification of individuals. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

carries a unique set of DNA information and can be found in the nuclei of all human cells. However, Mitochondrial DNA, which is present in every cell, does not provide unique identification as it remains unchanged from the mother. To examine DNA, molecules are fragmented into short tandem repeats (STR) and replicated multiple times.

The DNA samples are measured and compared to a standard sample. A match is reported when all DNA sequences are the same, considering the frequency of that DNA profile in a specific population. However, DNA analysis is only used as a last resort due to its cost, time-consuming nature, and the need for DNA samples from both parents or other family members (Wagner, 2009). The external examination involves three sections: preliminary exam, specific injuries, and specific body parts.

The systematic process guarantees that no evidence is missed. The initial external examination includes following universal precautions to handle the body as potentially contagious from blood borne pathogens. Mesh gloves, latex gloves, masks, gowns, shoe covers, and hats are all necessary attire according to Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Subsequently, the body bag undergoes inspection. When the bag is opened, both the body and the bag are promptly tagged.

During the victim's examination, their clothing is carefully inspected for trace evidence like fibers, tears, or bodily fluids. Any found jewelry or valuables are collected and labeled appropriately. The body undergoes a thorough examination for trace evidence such as hair, semen, or saliva. Any marks, whether natural or not, are recorded and photographed at various stages of the examination process for further documentation. It should be noted that personal belongings like jewelry that are

not considered as evidence must be returned to the victim's family. Additionally, there are four signs of death taken into consideration during the examination process.

The text explains the four signs of death, which are descriptions of biological reactions in the post mortem body. These signs are Rigor Mortis, Livor Mortis, Algor Mortis, and Decomposition. They help the Medical Examiner determine factors like the approximate time of death and whether the body has been moved postmortem, which could indicate the presence of a second crime scene. Rigor Mortis refers to the temporary stiffening of the body after death due to interlocking proteins in the muscles.

Rigor mortis is a simultaneous process that affects all muscles and begins within 30 minutes to one hour after death. However, smaller muscles experience complete rigor mortis more quickly. After approximately three hours, almost all muscles demonstrate noticeable rigor mortis. At a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, it takes about 10 to 12 hours for full rigor mortis to develop, and this state typically lasts for approximately 24 to 36 hours until the muscles loosen due to decomposition (Wagner, 2004). Environmental factors can influence the rate of rigor mortis. Higher temperatures and humidity accelerate the process, while colder temperatures slow it down.

The Medical Examiner relies on these observations to estimate the time of death. Additionally, rigor mortis can aid in determining if a body has been moved. If a body is discovered sitting on the ground, it implies that it has been relocated. Livor mortis refers to the settling of blood in the body due to gravity after death. Once the heart ceases pumping blood, gravity takes over and

allows blood to seep through vascular channels and settle in surrounding tissues (Wagner, 2004).

Lividity after death, also known as livor mortis, typically appears within 20 or 30 minutes and can be changed or resolved within 10 to 12 hours postmortem. It is not possible to remove fixed livor mortis through manual pressure. The presence of two different patterns of livor mortis on a dead body suggests that the body moved after death. The timeline of livor mortis helps forensic examiners estimate the time of death. Another often ignored aspect is algor mortis, which refers to the gradual decrease in body temperature following death. As the body's metabolism stops, it gradually takes on the temperature of its surroundings.

According to Wagner (2004), it is widely acknowledged that the body cools at a rate of 1.5 degrees per hour between two to 15 hours after death when the body temperature is at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Once about 12 hours have passed, the body's temperature matches that of the surrounding room. The speed at which the body cools can be influenced by factors like body mass, clothing, and air temperature. If the external environment is hotter than the room, the core body temperature will rise. Because of different circumstances, accurately determining time of death using algor mortis during initial investigations at crime scenes proves to be difficult.

Decomposition involves the late stage of tissue breakdown, where dying cells release enzymes that cause autolysis and liquify the tissues. The breakdown is further aided by gases produced by bacteria, as well as environmental factors that affect the rate of decomposition. Cold temperatures slow the process, while hot and humid

climates expediate it. In forensic entomology, the insects found on a decomposing body can provide insights into the time of death.

Forensic entomologists specialize in the study of insects in relation to death investigations. They gather and identify insect larvae discovered on the body and rear them in incubators. By observing the "fixed" life cycle of these insects, they can approximate the time of death (Wagner, 2004). Furthermore, during the external examination of the body, specific injuries are examined. The examiner evaluates the distinctive traits of these wounds to ascertain whether they were inflicted by a blunt force or a sharp force weapon.

Blunt force wounds encompass various types of skin tears, such as lacerations, abrasions, contusions, and avulsions. In contrast, sharp force wounds entail different forms of cuts in the skin, including stab wounds, incised wounds, defense wounds, puncture wounds, chopping wounds, and gunshot wounds. During the examination of specific body parts, the Medical Examiner thoroughly evaluates the entire external surface to detect distinctive marks or features that indicate injury or violence. The skin receives particular attention since it serves as the main organ on the body's outer layer.

The skin displays numerous signs of physical injury or potential disease, including carcinomas. During a forensic autopsy, the extremities receive particular attention due to their ability to provide valuable trace evidence and clues regarding the cause and manner of death. Weapons may leave evidence on the hands, nails, and fingers, while natural disease processes can also be identified in these areas. The examiner ensures that no area remains unexamined. Moving on from the external examination, the examiner now proceeds to investigate the evidence and clues

uncovered.

The examiner performs a "Y" incision to open the chest cavity and dissects the skin to expose the muscle and bone. Signs and symptoms of injury are constantly monitored throughout the process. The dissection of the skin is extended to the abdominal cavity while the pathologist searches for hemorrhages, fluids, injuries, or signs of inflammation. The organs are exposed when the chest cavity is opened, and the pathologist examines their contents to identify any apparent indicators that may have caused death.

Following the examination of the chest, the pathologist proceeds to inspect the abdominal organs using a similar approach. They also gather bodily fluids such as blood, urine, bile, and vitreous for sampling. These fluids can sometimes retain substances for longer periods than the bloodstream does, allowing further drug testing if none is found in the blood. After finishing the initial dissection and internal body assessment, each organ and tissue undergoes individual examinations by the pathologist.

During the process, every organ is meticulously weighed, measured, and photographed. They are carefully dissected and thoroughly examined to identify any visible or hidden abnormalities. This assessment starts by evaluating the overall appearance of the organs and then analyzing their microscopic characteristics. The pathologist will use these evaluations to create diagnoses and opinions that will be documented. In a forensic autopsy, it is crucial to examine the head, skull, brain, and spinal cord even if the cause of death is apparent (Wagner, 2009).

In a forensic autopsy, the body is examined to uncover hidden clues such as weapons and injuries. This examination allows pathologists to internally inspect organs for internal injuries, including skull fractures that may not be

visible externally. These concealed findings serve as crucial evidence in identifying and convicting suspects. Once external and internal examinations are completed, the pathologist collects samples of organs and tissues for microscopic analysis to validate their diagnosis. To further analyze fluids and tissues, they are sent to the toxicology lab where drugs and other substances can be detected. This information plays a significant role in identifying suspects and solving crimes. For example, in a murder case, a suspect was found with cleaner in their vehicle; however, it was through toxicology analysis that compounds from this cleaner were discovered in the victim's system at the time of death. The discovery of this evidence could lead to the conviction of the suspect.

Conclusion: The forensic autopsy is a vital procedure in establishing the precise circumstances of a death. The field of forensics is remarkable because it can analyze and reconstruct a crime to ensure a conviction. These findings not only reveal the specifics of a suspicious death, but they also offer solace to grieving family members. While professionals investigate the cause and manner of death, loved ones are left seeking answers about why the person died.