Commentary

Abstract

In temperature based death time estimation, the mathematical description by Marshall and Hoare is combined with the parameters defined and additional correction factors introduced by Henssge in the Nomogram method (summarized as MHH). Parameters and correction factors however leave room for subjectivity and disagreement. Elevation of rectal temperature at the time of death has been acknowledged as problematic for death time estimation in several studies, but has neither been solved nor systematically integrated into death time estimation methodology. Ambient temperature, when non-constant and/or unknown, may introduce additional errors. Further problems may arise if the fundamental relationship between torso dimensions and total body weight is not comparable to Henssge’s dummy cooling model. In this study we present a novel methodological approach to temperature based death time estimation, in which relevant parameters for calculations may be evaluated, corrected and generated using brute-force calculations. Consistency of death time over the course of cooling is used as brute-force target. The calculations produce momentary cooling weights, which are graphed over time. Cooling weight graphs can be analyzed to draw conclusions related to different parameters. The method was used on artificial ideal cooling data which was generated according to MHH for known parameters. Correctness of assumed parameters was confirmed by a linear horizontal path of the cooling weight graph. However, controlled false value input resulted in characteristic graph variations. Elevated rectal temperature at the time of death was detectable from the curve shape until hours after cooling below regular temperature at death. False high and false low ambient temperature produced positive and negative curve slopes. Overall, the method acts much like a prism which breaks up light into its elemental colors. It holds potential for application both in scientific settings and practical case work.