NCJ Number
128430
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 64 Issue: 1 Dated: (January/March 1991) Pages: 5-8
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Since many insects are associated with the human body after death, they are always a potential source of evidence in cases of murder or suspicious death.
Abstract
Also, the fact that may species are associated with various objects of interest to man, such as drugs and other products, means that they are potentially useful as evidence in criminal situations other than murder cases. Despite this great potential, however, the field of forensic entomology remains obscure, largely because of lack of awareness of the benefits that may accrue from its application. Some questions that may be answered using forensic entomological techniques include time, place, and cause of death; when burial occurred; whether the body was mutilated after death; how long a body was in water; and when the body was placed in a certain given spot. Also, questions can be answered regarding the illegal killing of an animal, whether the suspect frequented certain areas, whether the suspect handled a certain product, and where a consignment of cannabis came from.