ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 May 2002
Page Count: 14

Decomposition Chemistry of Human Remains: A New Methodology for Determining the Postmortem Interval
Vass, AA
Research Scientist, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN

Sega, G
Senior Research Scientist, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN

Synstelien, JA
Graduate student, University of Tennessee, TN

Love, JC
Forensic Anthropology Consultant, Regional Forensic Center, TN

Skeen, JT
Research Technician, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN

Caton, J
Senior Research Scientist, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN

Barshick, S-A
Research Scientist, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN

(Received 16 October 2001; accepted 8 October 2001)

Abstract

This study was conducted to characterize the chemistry associated with the decomposition of human remains with the objective of identifying time-dependent biomarkers of decomposition. The purpose of this work was to develop an accurate and precise method for measuring the postmortem interval (PMI) of human remains. Eighteen subjects were placed within a decay research facility throughout a four-year time period and allowed to decompose naturally. Field autopsies were performed and tissue samples were regularly collected until the tissues decomposed to the point where they were no longer recognizable (encompassing a cumulative degree hour (CDH) range of approximately 1000 (3 weeks)). Analysis of the biomarkers (amino acids, neurotransmitters, and decompositional by-products) in various organs (liver, kidney, heart, brain, muscle) revealed distinct patterns useful for determining the PMI when based on CDHs. Proper use of the methods described herein allow for PMIs so accurate that the estimate is limited by the ability to obtain correct temperature data at a crime scene rather than sample variability.

Keywords:
forensic science, postmortem interval, time since death determinations, tissue composition, biomarkers

Paper ID: JFS15294J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15294J
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