Time of Death

In this chapter the various physiologic changes that occur within the body during and after death are discussed. These changes proceed through a progression of changes that can be used to estimate the time of death. These parameters are only an estimate and are highly dependent on temperature, body habitus, and other environmental factors. The assessment factors each follow a continuum that needs to be recorded by the investigator prior to the body being removed from the death site. When taken as a whole, these values and investigative information are used to make the best time determination in an unwitnessed death. Various investigative observations may be helpful to add more information concerning the postmortem interval as well as the decedent’s lifestyle. Collection of insects, plants, and photographs may be necessary in some cases to aid this determination.