Helpful Definitions
General Information
Date of Discovery: The date the body was discovered
Date of Death: First select how accurate the date of death is, then select the actual date
Date Last Known Alive: First select how accurate the date last known alive is, the select the actual date
Body Size Estimation: Based on best assessment classify body size as thin, normal, or overweight
Deposition Site Type: Description of context where body was discovered
Characteristics of Decomposition Select all that apply
Fresh- Livor Mortis Absent: There is no pooling of the blood in the body
Livor Mortis Unfixed: Prior to blood coagulation. If the body is moved, the blood will re-pool
Livor Mortis Fixed: Blood coagulates, preventing the blood from re-pooling if the body is moved
Fresh-Rigor Mortis Absent: Muscle stiffening has not set in
Rigor Mortis Partial: Muscle stiffening has accrued in the small muscles of the face and jaw
Rigor Mortis Full: Complete muscle stiffening
Skin Slippage: Shedding of the epidermis from the body in any location
Marbling: Darkening of the blood vessels
Bloat: Gaseous by-products of microorganisms causing the swelling of tissues
Purging: Decomposition fluids exiting the body
Adipocere: "Grave Wax." The grayish-white substance observed on or around the body
Abdominal Caving: The caving in of the abdominal area after bloat has occurred
Mummification: Preservation of skin or tissue that is desiccated or dried out
Exposed Bone with Moist Tissue: Moist tissue is present and bone can be seen as the result of the decomposition process that is not trauma induced
Exposed Bone with Desiccated Tissue: Dry tissue is present and bone can be seen
Bone with Grease: Bone is moist to the touch and may have glistening appearance
Dry Bone: Moisture is not present on surface of bone
Weathered Bone: Flaking or roughening of bone surface as the result of exposure to the environment
Insect Characteristics Select all that apply
Fly Eggs: Small white or yellow specks often seen around eyes, nose, mouth, genitals, or wounds.
Larva: Maggots in any stage of development - often resembles grains of rice.
Pupae: Hard or hollow black pellets located around the body in soil or other surrounding material.
Adult Flies: Common fly often with iridescent or dark grey bodies observed in close proximity or on the body.
Beetles: Any type of beetle observed on the body.
Ants: Any type of ant observed on the body. Small, red marks may be observed on the skin of the body, especially if fire ants are present.
Other Insect Activity: Insect or insect activity present that are not classified above
Vertebrate Characteristics Select all that apply
Rodent Activity: Parallel striations are commonly observed on the cortical bone or trabecular bone removed from joint ends to create a pedestal.
Carnivore Activity: (dogs, foxes, bears, raccoons, etc.) Commonly associated with puncture marks and/or crushing, particularly on the ends long bones. Also, disarticulation of the limbs may be commonly observed.
Vultures: Evidence of vulture activity which may be associated with rapid skeletonization, fractures inside the eye orbits, and/or rib fractures.
Other Scavenger Activity: Modification of remains by other animals not described above.
