ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 4

Artefact in Forensic Medicine: Postmortem Rodent Activity
Patel, F
Forensic Pathologist, UMDS Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, University of London,

(Received 4 March 1993; accepted 7 July 1993)

Abstract

The human body may be attacked by a variety of animals. It is a potential source of confounding marks for forensic practitioners when unmasking criminal activity. A case that posed some problems for the crime scene investigators on discovering a dead body indoors, which had both ears missing is discussed. The suspicion initially was that of homicidal mutilation of the corpse. A general awareness of artefactual postmortem animal activity may avoid their misinterpretation. This short report acknowledges a persistent paucity in the forensic literature on the subject of human remains and postmortem animal activity.

Keywords:
pathology and biology, crime scene investigation, forensic pathology, postmortem artefact, soft tissue injury, mutilated corpse, human remains, animal activity, gnawing, scavenging, teeth marks, rodents, carnivores, household pets

Paper ID: JFS13594J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13594J
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