NCJ Number
207933
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2004 Pages: 60,62,69
Date Published
November 2004
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the role of forensic entomology in death investigations.
Abstract
Insects are a much sought-after occurrence at a crime scene as they assist death investigators in determining the time of death. Forensic entomologists can examine the insect life on corpses to determine the time of death within days or even hours. Forensic entomologists are a rarity and only become useful to a death investigation when there are larvae or insects presents; in other words, when the death likely occurred a number of days prior to the body being found. The article describes the two methods that are used by entomologists to determine elapsed time since death, one of which uses successional waves of insects while the other uses the development of maggots. Careful collection of the insect evidence at the scene by the investigating officers is crucial to determining the insect’s stage of development. Weather and temperature play an important role in the process of forensic entomology. Rain, cold, heat, and other environmental conditions affect the flying patterns of insects; thus it is important for entomologists to collect data on recent weather conditions when trying to assess time of death. Insect evidence often leads to clues when no others are present and can even be helpful in determining if a body has been moved from the scene of death and can help save lives and stop abuse. Case examples are offered.