Estimation of Time since Death from Rigor Mortis in Central India

Abstract

Rigor mortis is an important factor in determination of time since death. Appearance and disappearance of rigor mortis and other factors influencing the development of rigor mortis like age, sex, weight and temperature were studied in 121 medico legal autopsies, in which exact time of death was known. In 21–60 years age group, the mean time of appearance and full development of rigor mortis was 1.46 hrs and 8.40 hrs, respectively. There was no obvious difference between males and females as regards to commencement and full development of rigor mortis. Time required for commencement of rigor mortis prolongs, as weight increases. In a temperature range of 21°C to 25°C, mean time for appearance and full development of rigor mortis was 1.31 hrs and 8.23 hrs respectively, while time range for start of disappearance was 14 to 23 hrs.