Embalming of Early Decomposing Strangled Homicides in Anambra State, Nigeria: A Validation Study

Abstract

Formalin is one of the commonest embalming fluid used in modern embalming. Methanol can also be mixed with formalin in order to prevent the precipitation of formaldehyde to paraformaldehyde. Methanol is also a good preservative. Strangled bodies remain one of common homicides received at funeral homes in Anambra state, Nigeria. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to observe the early decomposition activities in Anambra state; use an embalming mixture containing formalin, methanol and water to arrest it; and document the techniques used to achieve it. Therefore, four infant pigs were used for this study. They were sacrificed and allowed to reach the early stage of decomposition before embalming. The results showed that outcome of embalming is influenced by the embalming mixture used, duration of the embalming, and the room temperature of the morgue were the embalmed bodies were stored after embalming. The results also showed that atmospheric temperature and humidity does not influence the outcome of embalming. In conclusion, the methodology for arresting early decomposition of strangled homicides is by arterially injecting an embalming mixture containing formalin, methanol, water and dye; and also supplementing this technique with hypodermic embalming technique.