Flies Do Not Jump to Conclusions: Estimation of the Minimum Post-Mortem Interval for a Partly Skeletonized Body Based on Larvae of Phormia regina (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Senta Niederegger,Gita Mall

doi:10.3390/insects12040294

Abstract

Simple SummaryMany factors can influence the appearance of human remains. In the case presented here, the remains appeared to be exposed for months, because the bones were visible. Fly maggots collected from the body, however, suggested a much shorter period of only about two weeks. The confession of the perpetrator ultimately confirmed the shorter exposure time of the remains.Skeletonization is often perceived as an indicator of long post-mortem intervals. The finding of feeding larvae of first colonizers, on the other hand, indicates days. We present a case in which both findings were present. Larvae of Phormia regina, aged 9 days, and skeletonization of the head and part of the thorax were both found on an unidentified female body. Identification of dentures eventually led to resolution of the case and a confession, which settled the seeming contradiction in favor of forensic entomology.

Highlights

The fascination with grisly crimes and the resulting supply of crime fiction in books, movies, and shows have increased the popularity of forensic entomology
In crime fiction, insects are recognized on a body, they predominantly lead to resolution of the case, sometimes with as little as one maggot
With the age of P. regina established to have been 9 days based on both results, we were confident that this was the most likely minimum time that had elapsed since the deposition of the body

Summary

Introduction

The fascination with grisly crimes and the resulting supply of crime fiction in books, movies, and shows have increased the popularity of forensic entomology. In crime fiction, insects are recognized on a body, they predominantly lead to resolution of the case, sometimes with as little as one maggot. Entomological evidence is oftentimes not valued as highly as other indicators. Cases in which entomological estimations are independently verified through confessions can be of valuable help for forensic entomologists [1]. Not many case reports are published [2], and of those, even fewer contain confirmation of the estimated minimal post-mortem intervals (mPMIs) [3,4]. We present a case in which entomological evidence was unappreciated because it seemingly contradicted another taphonomic indicator that suggested a far longer postmortem interval

The Case

Victim Identification

Suspect Identification

Discussion

Conclusions