1The analyses of the insect species found on decomposing remains may provide useful information 2 for the estimation of the minimum time elapsed since death and other parameters, such as causes 3 and circumstances of death. The majority of research has focused on the early colonising species, 4 typically blowflies, while research concerning late colonising insects is currently sparse. Dermestid 5 beetles of the genus Dermestes L. (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) are one of the predominant insect 6 species associated with decomposing remains during dry decay and skeletal stages of 7 decomposition. In some dry environments Dermestes species are likely to be the only necrophagous 8 insects feeding on the decomposing remains. Furthermore, Dermestes species (immature and 9 adults), their remains (cast skins and fecal material) and their artifacts (pupal chambers) are 10 frequently found associated with ancient remains (e.g. mummies, fossils). Dermestes species have a 11 worldwide distribution and are considered important in decomposition processes, forensic 12 investigations and economically as a known pest of stored products. Despite their recognised 13 forensic importance, there is limited data documenting the ecology, biology and the growth rates of 14 the forensically relevant species. 15The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive synopsis on the available literature concerning 16Dermestes species associated with forensic cases. In particular, aspects of colonisation behaviour, 17 growth rates for forensic taxa and potential best practice guidelines for forensic casework 18 encompassing late colonising Dermestes species are discussed. 19 20

In a commingled context, assessing that a talus and a calcaneus correspond to the same individual could become a primary step for accurately sorting human remains. For this purpose, the lengths and widths of the trochlea, posterior calcaneal articular surface, and posterior talar articular surface were measured in 197 individuals (105 males, 92 females) from the Athens Collection. A total of 12 highly accurate equations for reassociating tali and calcanei were developed, using simple and multiple linear regression analysis and they were found to be suitable for sorting commingled human remains. Bilateral asymmetry and sex did not have an effect on the accuracy of the method.

When estimating the time since death or manner of death, the identification and the pathological evaluations of a body are generally impeded by post mortem changes. Research and case studies help experts to achieve a more accurate diagnosis, but at present there is scant literature covering topics concerning forensic science and decompositional processes in aquatic environments. The two case studies presented each involve a decomposed body found in a unique aquatic environment; namely wells containing ground water. In Case 1 an entomologist attended the scene and in Case 2 an entomologist was only involved after 20 months when it was decided that the insect evidence collected at the second autopsy may be useful in determining a time frame. The first case highlights the problems associated with body retrieval from aquatic environments as the body was removed it dismembered. Fortunately, the well was able to be drained, so much of the insect evidence was retrieved. In the second case the body was found dismembered but the entomological evidence was overlooked and lost. During the second autopsy insects were found, collected, and sent to an entomologist to help clarify the post mortem interval.

No abstract

During the years 2006-2007, the Archeological Superintendent of Veneto (Italy) promoted a research project on mass graves located on Nuovo Lazzaretto in Venice, where the corpses of plague deaths were buried during the 16th and 17th centuries. The burials were of different stages and are believed to be the remains of plague victims from the numerous outbreaks of pestilence, which occurred between the 15th and 17th centuries. Among the fragmented and commingled human bones, an unusual burial was found. The body was laid supine, with the top half of the thorax intact, arms parallel to the rachis axis, the articulations were anatomically unaltered. Both the skull morphology and the dimensions of the caput omeris suggest the body was a woman. A brick of moderate size was found inside the oral cavity, keeping the mandible wide open. The data collected by the anthropologist were used to generate a taphonomic profile, which precluded the positioning of the brick being accidental. Likewise, the probability of the brick having come from the surrounding burial sediment was rejected, as the only other inclusions found were bone fragments from previous burials in the same area. The data collected by the odontologist were employed for age estimation and radiological dental assessment. The forensic profile was based conceptually on the "circumstances of death" and concluded that the positioning of the brick was intentional, and attributed to a symbolic burial ritual. This ritual confirms the intimate belief held at those times, between the plague and the mythological character of the vampire.