Accelerated autolysis and putrefaction at autopsy

Abstract

Aim To identify the range of factors that may artefactually accelerate decomposition and therefore potentially confound time of death estimations. Methods Case files at Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, South Australia, were retrospectively reviewed for cases where decomposition appeared greater than would have been expected for the time interval since death. Exogenous and endogenous reasons for this were evaluated. Results Exogenous factors included: elevated environmental temperatures (outdoors and indoors) involving exposure to hot water, saunas, central heating, electric blankets and car interiors. Endogenous factors included: obesity, fever, infections, use of illicit and prescription drugs and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Discussion Determination of the time since death is often a difficult process beset with many inaccuracies. A supportive feature at autopsy has been the presence/extent of decomposition. If these factors or conditions are identified at autopsy, less significance should be attached to changes of decomposition as markers of the postmortem interval. These factors involve elevation or maintenance of body temperature, increased ante-mortem bacterial loading and increased bacterial nutrient availability. In addition to confusing estimates of the time of death, they may also cause doubt to be expressed concerning the veracity of witness statements.