Mummification in a forensic context: an observational study of taphonomic changes and the post-mortem interval in an indoor setting

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of mummification in an indoor setting, with an emphasis on the forensic perspective. A dataset of 102 forensic autopsy cases was assessed for distribution of desiccation of skin and soft tissue (i.e., subcutaneous fat and musculature) and for moist decompositional (i.e., putrefactive) changes. Further, possible correlation with the post-mortem interval (PMI) was evaluated, as well as the effects of clothing coverage of the body. The results indicated that yellow to orange parchment-like desiccated skin was found at significantly shorter PMIs than reddish brown to black leathery desiccated skin, even when soft tissue desiccation was included in the comparative analysis. Clothing appeared to have a significant decelerating effect on the extent of desiccation on the legs, but findings in regard to whole body or torso/arms were inconclusive. A large variation in PMIs was evident as regards fully desiccated skin (PMI 18–217 days), indicating difficulties in PMI estimation due to a variable repressive effect on the decompositional process per se in an indoor setting. For the specific case in forensic practice, no definite conclusion can be drawn from the observed desiccation changes to the PMI. One way forward might be creating a systematic and standardized method for describing different desiccation types, as well as other cooccurring decompositional changes and how they relate to the PMI, as a foundation for a future quantification model.

A synthesis of carcass decomposition studies conducted at a tropical (Aw) taphonomy facility: 2013–2022

“…Medicolegal decomposition cases with a known PMI can be used to develop a database for human remains in forensic scenarios. Retrospective and real-time decomposition studies conducted in collaboration with medicolegal death investigation agencies provide valuable insight into the taphonomy within a given jurisdiction, particularly in built environments [ 14 , 42 , 43 , 56 , [100] , [101] , [102] , [103] , [104] , [105] , [106] , [107] ]. These data will likely provide investigators with an improved ability to determine if the extent of decomposition is consistent with the scene findings.…”

A Rare Phenomenon of Natural Precocious Mummification

“…Natural or artificial freezing, bog bodies, and saponification are other known forms. Extrinsic environmental factors, such as aridity, air circulation, solar radiation, and high temperatures, are the leading factors in mummification [8,9]. Such factors are known as mummificationinducing, and the following criteria must be met: a 24-hour maximum temperature > 30°C, an average solar radiation > 600 Wm -2 , an average daytime humidity < 50%, and a windy day (daytime wind speed/gust measures of 20-30 mih -1 , 32.1948.29 kmh -1 ) [4].…”