#Plant evidence collection during Autopsy

[forensicfield]

Forensic Botany: Utilizing Plant Evidence in Crime Scene Analysis

While Botany refers to the scientific study of plant life, growth and development, Forensic Botany can be defined as the study of plants and various plant parts and their derivatives and to understand how these... #forensicbotany #forensicscience #crime

Continue reading Forensic Botany: Utilizing Plant Evidence in Crime Scene Analysis

[ask-the-achs]

New subject contained.

It is infact a species.

ALIEN SPECIES FOUND ADAPTOR ANTS

These ants are a special kind of insects that are capable of a kind of evolution I will refer to as 'Generational Upgrades' their version of evolution involves them eating the most of the biggest things around to grow features of the things they ate. Their end goals are to create Queen ants to spread them around the galaxy. According to Paradox they are only three planets but I have seen recordings of them existing on at least six other planets. They are an organized unit. Like earth's ants they are a society based around drones and workers to build the hives and guards to protect the queen who can have up to 80 kids in a single egg laying session. These queens will eat anything and everything that is within 600meters of their hives. In an odd turn of events half the hive is awake during the day the other half are awake durning the night. The queen however I've noticed never seem to sleep a set time. They sleep when overworked.

*Five samples have been found and examined.*

Sample one: a collection of twenty ants. These ants are bright green as they live in areas with thick foliage autopsies have shown that they eat nothing but the poisonous plants and leaves around their nest. They also seem to have the ability to utilize photosynthesis. They are still aggressive to any non insect in their habitat.

Sample two:a pair of ants with a considerable amount of fuzz and wings. In several investigations around their hives they seem to have been eating bats for a long while. They in an odd turn haven't eaten enough to gain their Echolocation.

Sample three:a group of 10 ants that have grown fins and gills. It seems they have been eating fishes sharks and eels as evident by their abilities to sense electricity and emit that same electricity.

Sample four:a singular ant that had broken out of a cage only to be found and broken into 3 peices by Paradox. This ant shown signs of being the result of ants eating horses with its legs and teeth as proof with more autopsies showing he had the stomach and lungs of a cow in his horse half.

Sample 5:one of the queens of the hives who is currently clamped to a metal table. This is due to her constantly trying to escape and take out the staff. She is a vaguely humanoid woman with a translucent abdomen and a large stinger. In an odd turn of events she seems to hate another queen anomaly. The large bug chimera known as THE QUEEN. The smaller queen refers to herself as Empress Daikuri study has shown Daikuri is a empress who went missing on her 19th birthday 300 (due our timelines distortion of time as a whole it should be at least 150 years from modern time.)

Threat leavel:APOCALYPTIC

Cell information:The empress is kept in a small cell that is 3ft by 3ft that has several night vision and motion tracking cameras and robots as the cell is completely black out with no source of light coming in or out of the cell. The metal bed is in fact the very back wall of her cell while her every other wall and the Celing lined with inceneray round carrying turrets to put her down if she ever gets off the wall.

-Sunblood.

[criminol]

Fingerprints

Fingerprints are ridges and patterns on the tip of each finger, they are formed from pressure on a baby’s developing fingers while in the womb. A very rare medical condition called adermatogylphia gives a person completely smooth fingerprints, palms, toes and soles which prevents them from having identifiable fingerprints. There are three main types of fingerprint: whirls, loops and ridges. Fingerprints are unique to each person, even identical twins have different fingerprints, due to this fingerprints are considered more unique than DNA. Fingerprints are also extremely difficult to alter and remain much the same for a person’s whole life making them great long-term markers to identify people. Fingerprints of deceased people can be collected during autopsy although the exact decomposition of the body can complicate this.

Fingerprinting is a form of biometrics, a science which uses peoples characteristics to identify them. From a crime scene perspective, the uniqueness of fingerprints makes them an ideal way to identify people, both victims of crimes and criminals. There are two different types of fingerprint evidence:

Visible prints: made when fingerprints are left on a surface that creates an impression like blood, ink or dirt

Latent prints: made when sweat or other substances on the skin reproduce the fingerprint on a surface the person has touched. These prints are made visible using light sources like lasers, dark powder or are ‘lifted’ with tape.

Fingerprints were first used as evidence in English Courts in 1902 and a year later in New York. Technology has made the science more accurate and convenient. Fingerprints can theoretically also be forged and planted at crime scenes.

In a DNA first, when investigating the murder of Viktorija Sokolova (full case post here) police were able to lift fingerprints from a video of the killer using an iPhone.

[alluringjae]

[ 22:38 ] ⮕ [ 23:28 ]

part of my collection of cookie cuts from all i do is wait

in order to understand, read the main story first here.

pairing: ghost!doyoung x female!reader

genre: thriller, angst, fluff in the end

warnings: mentions and scenes of murder

author’s note: for readers of all i do is wait, i have a surprise for you this weekend!! but first, enjoy the first cookie cut of the week as there are a few more to come! 

this is semi-unedited lol

leave me some feedback, constructive criticism or hellos!

--

1980s

“The Justice Department made their final verdict.” The judge in the middle peered over to his sides, where two other judges sat.

On the other hand, your hands clasped in a prayer position under your desk. Your deep breathes were hushed, hiding your already evident nerves. Mark, the defendant on behalf of Johnny, picked up on it and placed a palm on top of your shaking leg.

“We’re going to win, you know it.”

A public attorney like yourself would never take a case for those with high power, plus you’ll also share the limelight with them when the media deemed it scandalous or viral. Seo Industries, started at building 3 floor apartment buildings and now known for their high-rise buildings, practically expanded in most of Seoul. It’s hard not to avoid seeing a building or those who hold power behind it. Currently, it was Johnny and Mark’s stepmother, Bae Seojin and their stepbrother, Seo Kihyun.

However, this trial was to prove and persuade everyone that they were the culprits involved with the murders of Seo Hyunsik and Seo Johnny, the real heir.

Earlier, you succeeded in exposing the last yet crucial evidence of the case. It involved a box concealed deep inside a wall of the old bedroom of Johnny, whom you found out through Kun. There’s really an adrenaline rush when you’re working for both the living and the dead.

No need for a search warrant for an abandoned old house, they found it. Inside that box, there was a letter he wrote before he died claiming that whoever finds it, they must submit all the files they see. One was a journal recording all his stepmother and stepbrother’s private discussions in their family study, stating that there was a hidden access way only he and his father knew of and snuck behind them. All led to discussing how to assassinate him, his father and Mark.

He did this best to avoid it, but it took one miscalculation to ruin it.

Second were copies of the receipts of their earlier corruption and embezzlement when he snuck inside the company late at night. Last showed names of people they’ve both threatened and killed when they were being blackmailed of their crimes.

Their lawyer objected that the handwriting of said man was questionable, implying you and your team planted it. You saw this coming, bringing out a document from forensics confirming that this letter was written by the late Seo Johnny.

For every murder, there’s a murder device. Deeply digging through the ones from the old crime scene, it came out that they were inserted because no fingerprints from either Johnny or his father were there. Plus, the autopsy results detected signs of self-defense on Johnny’s body and mixture of his blood with Kihyun’s during their brawl. Possibly another reason the case was closed by bribery since there were documents connecting the former detectives and Bae Seojin.

According to Johnny, he witnessed everything that happened when he died. It was a memory he selfishly dreaded to look back, but he had no choice if he were to clear his and his father’s names and save Mark. He articulated how Kihyun buried the real knives under the fountain in their backyard, the only place no one checked. With the help of Kun and your team, you scavenged through it, even destroying such a delicate piece, and wrapped in brown newspaper, there the knives were.

Rush checking them by forensics, they also validated the fingerprints of Seojin and Kihyun.

Their lawyer objected again for the same reason of planting it, but according to Mark’s testimony, Johnny loved their garden fountain as it was the last reminder of their mother before her sudden death. Practically anyone close to Johnny knew how much he treasured it. It only made sense how in Kihyun’s perspective, he wanted to make his enemy’s beloved gift become his most hated one. Not only that, footsteps of said man were stated in the former investigation.

With the influx of evidence, not even their lawyer could refute. The way the judges pursued their lips and nodded, you had done it again. Seojin and Kihyun were cornered, the outrage from the audience at such an organized crime. Kihyun lost it as he was on the stand.

“Johnny-hyung always got the praise from my late father! Even if Johnny-hyung was so kind to me, I could never return it. I also never felt good enough, and even when he married my mother, deep down he always missed his former wife. My mother and I feared that we will be left nothing, so she suggested what we must to survive.”

“And to survive, you blatantly decided to murder them? After everything they’ve done for you, all the kindness they’ve given, you selfishly took their lives?”

“I deserved a spot in the business as much as hyung did, but never was I capable of killing and blinded by power if it weren’t for my mother’s hatred for Johnny and my father! Then with Mark unintentionally seeing everything, we had to take him hostage all these years so nothing could ever be revealed.”

“Unlucky for you, Mr. Seo Kihyun. You did it yourself, you and your guilt.”

Kihyun could’ve argued back intensely if it weren’t for the judge banging his gavel repeatedly to return the order.

There you have it, ladies and gentlemen. After decades of being misled to the idea that Seo Johnny killed his father and himself over a stupid fight of inheritance, it was a complex murder case involving his stepbrother and stepmother for the reason that they craved more power and superiority and would do anything to claim it.

Going back to the judges’ decision, two defendants were requested to stand up to hear the fate.

“Defendants, Bae Seojin and Seo Kihyun, expressed their jealousy and want for power towards the victims and brutally stabbed them multiple times. From there, they took the only witness hostage and mistreated him for years whilst keeping most of the victim’s hard-earned money for themselves. Due to the brutality of the crime, their hostile intentions, and the dishonor they brought to everyone, we are left with no choice but give them a severe punishment. The Justice Department finds them guilty and believes they must be detached from our society, thus we sentence them to life imprisonment.”

As the judge hit the gavel, it was officially final.

Everyone on your side cheered as the two guilty offenders were dragged away by guards. You and Mark shared a tight hug in victory, hearing his muffled sobs. He’s waited for this day to come.

“Johnny-hyung is clear, he got his long-deserved justice.”

Kun, who stood behind you, gave you a hug over the small fence after a successful trial, a few invisible people in the back were also triumphant.

“She did it.” Manwol applauded, peeking over Jeno and Yuta jumping up and down while Johnny in tears while Doyoung teared up with him. Joyful, Johnny’s pain subsided entirely. The speechless reactions of his stepmother and everyone else after his stepbrother broke under the pressure was a strong contender to his glory, but mostly, it was because of your intelligence and persistence.

You worked day and night, visited numerous areas, and investigated any possible leads to go hand in hand with his own evidence. In Doyoung’s embrace, he murmured, “Thank you, Doyoung. Just thank you.”

“You only deserve the best before you move on, Johnny.”

“I see why you love her so much, sincerely.” Separating, Johnny overlooked to you bowing to Mark and his family. “Don’t lose faith right now in your journey. You’ve come so far, my friend.”

Doyoung, who watched you proudly walking out from the court while numerous cameras were trying to interview you, couldn’t refrain from admiring you. You’ve really grown into a stronger woman day by day.

“I have no plans to do such, Johnny. I have to see every new great moment she makes next.”

[jefferyroygrant]

Technologies That Aid Wildlife Conservation

Circumstances such as climate change, overdevelopment, deforestation, and desertification that alter natural environments and degrade ecosystems threaten plant and animal life. Because of this, there are various conservation initiatives and technological solutions that have been implemented in recent decades in order to protect and preserve wildlife populations. More than ever, technology is being used to boost the efficacy of these efforts and gather data necessary to achieve results. For instance, scientists use global positioning systems (GPS) to draw precise movement patterns of animals and measure the distance traveled during migrations. By fitting wildlife with GPS trackers, scientists can glean insights on the social dynamics and territory range of threatened species. For example, lightweight GPS and satellite transmitters have enabled ornithologists to reconstruct the migration routes of birds, providing an opportunity to test predictions about migration patterns. GPS has also enhanced the data-collection capabilities of biotelemetry tools, a technology that can monitor the behavioral and physiological responses of wildlife and offer environmental context. Biotelemetry devices can be implanted or attached externally to an animal, allowing it to measure and transmit data such as body temperature and heart rate. In addition to providing detailed information on where and when animals die, they help determine the cause of death. Positional data makes it possible for researchers to recover the bodies of deceased animals for autopsy and examination. Researchers also theorize that comparative studies could lead to insights regarding how much suffering animals experience due to different causes of death and how life stages or environments affect these causes’ prevalence. This allows wildlife conversationalists to prioritize efforts to prevent the most agonizing causes of death. Drones are also efficient and cost-effective devices for monitoring wildlife activity. With the high-quality images and data collected via drones, researchers can perform surveys and track animal populations with minimal disturbance to wildlife and their environment. Additionally, drones are a safer alternative to working in remote or dangerous locations, such as jungles or the arctic. Beyond surveillance, conservationists have begun using drones to plant trees. Some projects that have benefited from drones include rainforest-restoration efforts and the monitoring of melting glaciers. Another important tool for wildlife conservation is the camera trap. These are automated cameras outfitted with infrared sensors that trigger the recording of images and video in the presence of animals. Like drones, camera traps enable researchers to monitor wildlife populations, activity patterns, and species distribution without disturbing them. Additionally, camera traps help scientists acquire photographic and video evidence of rare and elusive animals, such as the banded civet and the African golden cat. An emerging technology in wildlife conservation is the use of genetic engineering for restoration and bioremediation projects involving wildlife habitats. It is particularly helpful in modifying or creating microorganisms that can accomplish tasks such as consuming greenhouse gases or cleaning up oil spills. Moreover, guidebooks and computer tour guides are being used in zoological parks and botanical gardens to promote wildlife conservation education. In addition, interactive computers during exhibitions provide the public with more meaningful animal encounters and build interest in conservation campaigns. via WordPress https://jefferyroygrant.wordpress.com/2022/08/02/technologies-that-aid-wildlife-conservation/ August 02, 2022 at 05:31AM

[humilityonthehomefront-blog]

Twenty Years Young

Welcome to West Virginia:

Can you imagine growing up in a town that barely houses twenty-five hundred people? Literally, everyone knows everyone. You can’t be a teenager without the littlest things getting back to your parents. Your aunt's grade school best friend, told your neighbor from fifth grade that her daughter saw you at a party after you had said you were staying the weekend with your best friend, so your mom finds out you lied before your alarm goes off Monday morning. Yes, that kind of “he said, she said” town. Yes, this place I’m describing is a real little town in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia. Though, “wonderful” is debatable, “wild” is accurate. West Virginia is best known for its debilitating rank in the opioid epidemic, second best known for the small town, big talk mentality. These little towns truly know no secrets, so how is it crime continues to go unnoticed?  What I am about to tell you may be hard to read. This is the true story of Todd Ezra Cook.

“He was the white Snoop Dogg. Funny, witty, intelligent.” Todd’s mother describes, choking back tears. Todd was a mere twenty years old when he lost his life. Someone who had never made an enemy. Todd was comedic, popular, loved and cherished by every single person who knew him. Todd enjoyed the life he lived and lived a life that he loved. Todd was a drug user. He was young and enjoyed spending time with his friends doing exactly what many kids his age does in and around Petersburg, West Virginia. It is a shame that this is what our state has become, but it is a reality. Though Todd did use drugs, Todd did not use the most dangerous illicit drugs. It has now been three years since Todd’s death, and I’ve still not been able to find a person that says a single bad word about this young man. So, what happened? What went wrong? My initial reaction was to assume he was another victim of the West Virginian opioid crisis, only not the side you’re probably expecting. Todd was not an overdose; Todd was murdered.

In the early morning hours of January 4th, 2016 Todd was found face down on the ground just feet away from the small building he and all his friends spent most of their time in. Matter of fact that is the last place Todd was known to be. Apparently, on this occasion, no one was in the building. No one was in the alley. No one heard a word. No one saw a thing. Not a single person in this overcrowded section of town knew anything according to the city police department. As the police began what they considered an investigation, Todd’s family began finding out through social media he had died. Can you imagine the despair? It was after 3 p.m. by the time Todd’s mother was notified; she had no time to tell his brothers or sisters, they’d already found out online.

The Medical Report:

The following information was obtained through copies of the police reports, autopsy report, crime scene photographs, and family accounts. Todd was found face down but had been rolled to his back before police arrived on scene. The violence Todd had suffered was so brutal, and that was apparent by the look locked on his face. Todd’s mouth shaped in a desperate scream as if begging for oxygen to enter his lungs one more time. His eyes were completely blood red, full of broken vessels. Both of Todd’s shoes were off laying near his feet. Next to one arm lie Todd’s keys on a lanyard that appeared to have experienced such tension it was nearly shredded, his pistol at his leg. According to family and friends, Todd always kept a pistol with him. Todd’s fingers frozen in rigor mortis appeared to still be attempting to clutch the weapon. One shell casing lay a mere 8 feet behind Todd’s body.

               Officers concluded that Todd had suffered a gunshot wound to the back of the throat, assuming he had committed suicide. However, an autopsy found that was incorrect and that there was no entry or exit wound to support their theory. What was found in the back of Todd’s mouth was not a bullet hole, blood or the bullet they imagined, but glass. A sliver of glass consistent with a methamphetamine pipe and “plant matter” that had been placed in his mouth after death.  Upon examining the coroner’s findings, it is seen she also found this glass and plant matter in Todd’s right eye. This causes immediate concern by comparing the January 8, 2016 police report stating the medical examiner told the police the body showed signs of asphyxiation as the cause of death. Later, that changed to “Meth intoxication.” The coroner signed off on this finding three full days before even receiving the toxicology report after just telling officers Todd had been asphyxiated. How can one determine such an unlikely death without the findings present? Not to mention Todd’s methamphetamine level was so low that it’s likely it entered his system via the broken pipe found in his mouth than it did through his using.                    

Todd’s methamphetamine level was .00048g (0.48mg). It is highly unlikely to even overdose on methamphetamine under 50.0g, and even that amount would still be unlikely even in a first-time user’s case. A typical abuser uses between 100 and 1000mg per day. Chronic users go as high as 5000mg per day which is more than ten times Todd’s level. Something else that screams “red flag” is the fact that methamphetamine overdose causes severe physical deterioration that takes time to notice. Todd would have realized he needed help and would have had time to go for it had he even had a lethal amount in his body. Signs would have started out with chest pains, delirium, and dehydration. Methamphetamine fatalities also manifest symptoms of coma, muscle twitching and most importantly the inability to pass or secrete urine. If Todd had died from a methamphetamine overdose how can they explain him being covered in his own urine?

                          Furthermore, the autopsy also shows the medical examiner claiming the body showed evidence of decomposition which was simply the discoloration of the abdomen. Todd died in freezing temperatures. Upon his finding, he was moved to refrigeration. Would it not seem more likely that this was not decomposition; this was trauma from an attack? The medical examiner then states that the neck appears to be in normal configuration after stating originally the body did show positive signs of asphyxiation. I collected numerous interview statements of family members and fellow funeral goers who all recalled seeing the purple bruise going across the lower part of the neck. The damage to Todd’s body was extremely consistent with that of someone who had been smothered.

The Crime:

According to friends, before Todd was murdered, he was hanging with friends and had a decent quantity of something called double dipped acid. Apparently, he also had marijuana. There was no acid in Todd’s system. No drugs, drug paraphernalia or cash was found on Todd’s body. This means that after Todd was killed, he was robbed. All the evidence combined leads one to conclude that Todd was in contact with numerous people making drug deals. During one of these deals, someone told someone where Todd would be and what he would have in his possession. Sometime between midnight and one o’clock, Todd was approached by his attackers. When he was confronted, he attempted to protect himself but was likely overtaken by the number of people who jumped him. It is likely these attackers wanted to render Todd unconscious so that they could rob him, but when they noticed he was not coming back to and had passed urine, they panicked and fled the scene.

The Crime Scene:

The Petersburg Police Department did not handle the crime scene with proper procedure. Any time someone is found deceased and alone the scene is to be treated as a homicide until proven otherwise. This was in no way the case here. There was never a crime scene established. There were limited interviews. There was no follow up with any suspects or potential witnesses. Todd’s vehicle was not secured or searched. No fingerprints collected. Evidence was left behind. The private investigator that was brought in stated that by the time he entered this investigation eight days after the death basically nothing had been done by the Petersburg PD. Todd was treated like a “worthless drug addict” who smoked himself to death, when in fact the last moments of his life must have been horrific.

While the drug epidemic has been overwhelming, it has also become an irritant to a lot of people, including some of our law enforcement. It is understandable considering they only get to see the bad side of addiction, but it still does not justify treating something so serious with less respect than they would have someone of higher stature. Todd was not the only murder that has been treated with such lack of care. There have been many cases with similar, or worse, conclusions that have not been properly investigated or solved such as those of Corey Snyder, Josh Bergdoll, Brayden Schell and Lori Moreland. Numerous attempts have been made to contact the Petersburg Police Department though I have never been able to receive a statement from either the officer or the Chief of police who was assigned to this case. If you or anyone you know has any information about the death of Todd Cook, or any of the surrounding unsolved murders please contact the West Virginia State Police. Please be sure of the information you share, as lives have been destroyed by false information. Please understand how serious these types of crimes and accusations are. We are not looking for rumors, we are looking for answers. There are no leads in the case of Todd Cook.

 * Kammie Lynn Markwood / March 2019

[marymosley]

Use of Microbial Forensic in Detection of Poison

Microbial Forensic has been define as the discipline of applying scientific method to the analysis of evidence related to bio-terrorism, bio crime, or the accidental release of a biological agent for toxin for attribution purpose. Attribution is specifically discussed with respect to biological attacks and can also used pertaining to an investigation of a planned attack. Mainly attribution is the investigative process by which is indicate the links the identify of a perpetrator of illicit the identify and the pathway leading to criminal activity. In this day the tradition types of forensic evidence such as Fingerprint, hair, fiber, and human DNA etc Forensic material collected as part of a biological attribution investigation will yield unique types of microbiological evidence that are the specific to the nature of the potential attack or the attack itself.

This microorganisms or microbes are microscopic organisms that exist as unicellular multi-cellular for cell clusters. Microorganisms are widespread in natural and are beneficial to life but some can cause serious harm. The detection of poison is the part of the forensic toxicology. The forensic toxicology deals with medical and legal aspects of the harmful effects of chemicals on human beings. Poison is a substance either it is solid liquid or gaseous which if introduced in the living body or brought into contact with any part of there will produce I’ll health or death, by its constitutional or local effects or both. The toxicology refers to toxins produced by living organisms  which are dangers to every human example poisonous plants, the venom of snakes, spiders, bels etc and bacterial and fungal toxins.

 Toxins are substance created by plants and animals that are poisonous to humans. Toxins also include medications that are helpful in small doses but poisonous when used in  large amounts of toxins that cause problems in humans are released by germs such as bacteria.for example cholera is  due to a bacterial toxin.The detection of poison by use of microbial forensic is of increasing interest and applies techniques commonly used in in diverse disciplines in order to identify microbes and determine their abundances, complexities and interaction with poison. Basically the action of most of the poison is to prevent the  supply of oxygen to body tissues. Failure the availability of oxygen stop the normal functioning of the body in the victim dies.

 If any person take to harms itself and if he dies during  6 to 7 hour then Forensic investigation officer collect the body then first procedures of investigation is postmortems Visceral sample /body fluids (for poison analysis Stomach, Stomach contents, small intestine, Liver, Kidney etc) should be collected and preserved scientifically by the medical officer. After that report should be sent to forensic laboratory keep all preserved visceral sample for four to five hours Visceral matter kept into a sodium chloride solution and when all visceral sample decomposes trace evidences obtain. In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, 10-20 ml blood should be collected using liquid Paraffin as preservative and should be kept in an air tight container. For gaseous poisoning (Carbon monoxide, Coal Gas, Hydrocyanic acid, Ammonia, Hydrogen Sulphide etc) in general, blood samples and lung tissues should be collected and preserved. In case of suspected poisoning by heavy metals (Arsenic, Antimony, Lead, Mercury, Cadmium etc) and the sample of scalp Hair, Nail cutting / scraping, long bones (Femur) should be preserved and forwarded. Cases having history of drug poisoning (barbiturates/opium/anesthetics etc.) the nails, hairs, brain, spinal cord should be preserved and forwarded along with viscera. copy of the Autopsy (P.M.) report with detailed observations and findings. It should also clearly mention the specific type of the poison or drugs for the detection, for which the viscera is sent and also mention if any additional analysis is required. If there is any previous analysis/ medical treatment done, reference should also be mentioned. A forwarding letter by the I.O. requesting to examine the submitted sample and informing the findings to the medical officer and indicating the viscera box is transported by the constable authorized to do so. An authorization letter from a Magistrate or relevant officer to the Chemical Examiner to examine the viscera. If possible, the statement of the witness relating the symptoms developed and the behavior of the deceased before death. A copy of the Surathal report, F.I.R if available and brief facts of the case submitted by the police and case sheet viz, name, sex, and age of the deceased and time at which P.M. examination was carried out, and account of final illness and list of drugs to which the deceased has accessed. Poisons like narcotic and morphine tested by thin layer chromatography including techniques like chromatography and spectrometer methods is used to analysis of in blood urine tissue for poisons such as salicylate  paracetamol ethanol and carbon monoxide. If any cases the body is fully decomposed means various microorganism, insect attacked the body and death body is found at crime scene the examiner examine the death body. The traces amount of tissues and present on the body then the examiner collect the tissue. Forensic toxicologist when they examined the present on the body, the same procedure on the body, the same procedure are apply detection of poison.

Forensic microbial investigation are essential the same as any other forensic investigation regarding processing, the involve crime scenes investigation chain of custody, evidence collection and preservation, evidence shifting, analysis of evidence interpretation of reserves and court presentation. Forensic investigation use physical evidence to attempt to obtain information on the microorganisms the persons involved in the particular crime. Microbial forensic seeks to produce reliable conclusion quickly to solve the crime. It is also helpful law enforcement may partner with scientist from microbiology genetics agriculture and many other disciplines to identify and characterize pathogens or there toxins, implicated in microbial forensics.

Author: Pinky Nishad

Pinky Nishad has completed M.Sc. Forensic Science from Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar and she has worked as Assistant Professor in SAGE university Indore, M.P in Institute of Sciences in Forensic Science department. She has multiple certification in different fields and recently honored with  T.G award.

The post Use of Microbial Forensic in Detection of Poison appeared first on Legal Desire.

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[ecotone99]

[TH] The Curious Case of Esther Monroe

They had cleared the brush forest that had built up over years of no maintenance. They had drained the swampy marsh that now engulfed half the property. All in all things were going perfect.

Frank and Esther devised this plan to encourage a search party, the police would have people clearing their land in no time; just in time for planting this season's crops. With any luck, Frank could play off his wife's "disappearance" as a spell of Dementia. Finally things were looking up as the couple dreamed to sell their land and move south.

Lieutenant Jacobs had seen his share of missing persons cases. None of these cases were as peculiar as this. Esther Monroe had vanished, no trace, no evidence, even the husband was ruled out in the first couple days. This was truly a hunt for the ages. Having been leading the dredging party in the drained marsh, he was losing hope when he heard the cry of a volunteer. "We have remains here sir,this may be her."

All of the available squad cars had reported to county road 36 to aid in the digging efforts. So far enough bones and remains have been found to amount a dozen casualties. Looking back at the top of the hill Jacobs spots a panicked Frank Monroe, and an even more surprising Esther by his side, weeping, but alive.

Back at the station, the Monroe's laid out there elaborate plan. It seems they had the initial phone call, press conferences, even Frank's alibi worked out. They talked about having Esther "reappear" from a dementia spell in the woods. It seems like they're telling the truth, albeit a far fetched plan for free landscaping, I couldn't imagine making something up that was so in depth. Even if the story is true however, it doesn't explain the growing number of identified bodies hidden in a shallow mass grave on their property. This was just the beginning of a long night.

Half a pack of smokes and 7 hours later a stack of folders compiled an encompassing list on the bodies found thus far. Identities and backgrounds show no significant connections, not even geographically. The newest victim showed within the last 6 months, the Monroe's would become the prime suspects.

Pleading for innocence, the Monroe's are ushered In separate directions, they are to be further interrogated separately. Initial interrogations show to no avail, Frank is adamant of his and his wife's innocence. Esther is a bit more puzzling, holes in her stories, inconsistency in memory, maybe she did suffer memory problems after all.

Suddenly a break in the case is found in the wine cellar where Esther was hidden during her "disappearance". A pile of blooded laden clothes haphazardly buried with a locked journal. Pages of the journal depict how the victims were lured into the house though fake sale ads and claims of work needing to be done. Ironically, several of the people had came to landscape the yard.

We had found Frank dead in his cell the next morning, before we got a chance to read the page about him. It seems his wife had poisoned him the day they were arrested. It seems she wanted to finish him off and collect on his life insurance. It was an open and shut case, Esther was the only one who could have written that journal.

When the news broke that 3 more bodies had appeared at the house on county road 36, authorities were stunned and heartbroken. Esther had never left custody, and now Lieutenant Jacobs was to be autopsied the next day; he had fell victim to an unknown killer.

The case ran cold after a few years went by, tapes of the interrogations and of Esther Monroe mourning her husband from a jail cell are all we have for testimony. Never a motive found, the notebook that was retrieved revealed much; but so little at the same time. Even though the death toll officially had climbed to 28, the media ran with "the 36 ghosts of 36".

I've came out of retirement for this. A large contract with a popular tv streaming service sees something in a washed up reporter. There is to be a documentary built on an unfinished case, and I to be its author. But now as I stand in an excavated swamp behind the house where so many does, it feels eerie to say the least.

Cameras roll as I speak of the lives lost from an unknown killer. Some of the victims had families, some had criminal records, and 3 wore the Maren county trooper badge. "Blood soaked clothes covered the killers bible, an extensive journal with entries of every victim." I speak to the camera. Continuing my report, "the blood found on the clothes belongs to several victims, and one set of DNA is speculated to belong to the killer." As I shuffle through the leaves around the infamous wine cellar "even Frank and Esther couldn't find a killer that lived under their nose" are. my closing remarks for the day.

My cameraman, Mark packs up the van for the night, and I decided to linger around just a while longer since I drove here separately this morning. It's a shame that this location had to be home to such heinous crime. This land is beautiful, and with a little work, this home would be a prize on the market. Striking a match, I watch the van pull off as I light the first smoke off the evening.

Staring off into the woods, I wonder about how I'm killing myself with cigarettes and vodka. My grandkids hate that I smoke. What's the use of quitting now? I hear the leaves rustle begins me and I turn to a familiar face, one I haven't seen in years. "I know you! You aren't supposed to be alive, this can't be!" I stutter. The man smiles at me before he cracks a smile, furnishing a .45 . I really wish I could show the world, this case is not over. Hunched over with blood spilling from my chest, I draw shallowed breaths. I've became number 29.

The tapes from the documentary went viral before their release date was set. Someone had leaked the tapes to online forum sites and it caught fire. The late Mario Montana was a championed reporter for his 40 year career in journalism; but his last work took his life and legacy. Police quarantined the house off county road 36. Some say it should be burned, others say it should never be touched again. One thing is for sure, the people remain terrified of the thought of a killer on the loose.

submitted by /u/Jetsfan93_ [link] [comments] via Blogger https://ift.tt/2U42iSC

[ezairick]

Seriously, what were the writers of Castle thinking when they decided to make him a P.I.?????? It’s just about the dumbest thing they could have done. I’ve been binge watching the series, and though there have been bad episodes before, the first episode where Castle is a P.I. is just absolutely cringeworthy.

I know the writers wanted Castle to be able to continue to work with Beckett, and that we are only following the case as they solve it, but honestly, the only thing I could think about when watching the episode was how much Castle ruined the case, and how because of him, and because of Beckett sharing confidential information with him, the person responsible for the victim’s death would get away with it.

Castle enters a crime scene he is not authorized to be at, he breaks into the morgue and read files and reports he is not authorized to see or read. Because of this, any halfway decent attorney could get any evidence declared inadmissible. They could completely suppress the case; An unauthorized person was at the crime scene before all evidence had been collected, how do we know he didn’t plant or take evidence at the scene, meaning all evidence found at the crime scene can now be declared inadmissible, since Castle could have planted evidence at the scene, this also means that any evidence gathered based on evidence at the crime scene would also be contaminated and declared inadmissible.

The same holds true with the autopsy. Since Castle got to the body before the autopsy report had been given to the detectives, that means that there is no longer a clear chain of command which would again mean that the evidence found during the autopsy would be declared inadmissible, as again this unauthorized person could have planted evidence.

This theory can be further strengthen by Castle and Beckett sharing information, especially since Castle found the guilty person, after all he could have planted or taken evidence from the crime scene and in autopsy, and then lead Beckett, his wife and lead investigator in the case, towards the person he considers guilty of the crime. 

and then of course there is the fact that they can’t use any of the evidence Castle turns up, since he is not held to the same standards of the police when collecting evidence, and also hints that some of the evidence was illegally obtained.

All of this just ads up to the guilty person walking as the police has been left with literally no evidence to prosecute her with. They are basically left with the hope that her defense attorney is stupid, and don’t think to suppress the contaminated evidence, or that they are lucky in that her confession won’t be suppressed, which it can be considering the fact that once again a unauthorized person, who is not a member of the NYPD Homicide, and therefore, has no legal right to be involved with the interrogation, is there.

And based on what I can see from the descriptions of the following episodes on IMDB, this problem will just continue.

Seriously, what is the point of knowing who the killer is, when they are not going to be punished for their crime, because the investigation has been contaminated.

Imaging sitting there, being told that the person who murdered your loved one is going to get away with it, not because they cannot connect the suspect to the crime, or because they were out of evidence, but because SOMEBODY wanted to be cute and can’t keep his hands to himself, the case has been compromised to such an extent that they have been left with nothing to prosecute the suspect with.

[marymosley]

Medico-Legal Autopsy in Abortion Deaths

In a routine autopsy the usual practice is to open a body with a chin to downwards. However, in a criminal abortion, it is necessary to follow a different order if evidence of air embolism- the commonest cause of sudden death in such cases- is not to be destroyed.

Air embolism occurs when a syringe is used to squirt soapy fluid from a bowl into the uterus to separate the membranes. Unless special care is taken to avoid it, the fluid level in the bowl drops until the sucking valve in the syringe is uncovered and so sucks in air. The raw lining membrane of the uterus is then exposed to frothed fluid and air is forced into the veins causing air embolism.

The autopsy should be done as soon as possible. Once the gas forming organisms develop, they closely mimic air embolism and vitiate the findings. When air embolism is suspected, if facilities permit, an x-ray of chest and abdomen should be taken.

The examination should commence from the vulva. Marks of violence on the external genitalia should be carefully noted. Containers should be kept ready to collect any fluid still lying within the vagina, cervix and uterus. The fluid may contain the even the partly displaced products of conception. Air may be present in the cavity of the uterus and it is possible to demonstrate the presence of both air and soapy fluids in the veins of the wall of the uterus from which they reach the heart.

Air bubbles can be demonstrated in the uterine and ovarian veins, inferior vena cava and right heart, pulmonary arteries, left heart and systemic arteries. The presence of air in the circulatory system causes mechanical obstruction to the outflow of blood. Cerebral and coronary air embolism are responsible for death. Soap can be demonstrated in the wall of the uterus, lungs and blood by histopathological and chemical examinations.

A small primary incision is made above the pubis to inspect the uterus and the adnexa for evidence of crepitation, injury, or necrosis. Inferior vena cava is inspected for gas bubbles. The incision is then extended upwards without cutting any large blood vessel. The pericardial sac is opened to inspect coronary vessels for evidence of segmentation. It is not always necessary to open the heart and large blood vessels under water or with the body immersed in a water bath as commonly believed. The skull vault is then removed carefully puncturing the meninges, and meninges reflected without injuring the blood vessels coursing over the lateral surface of the brain. The veins and basal arteries are then inspected for evidence of air embolism. After removal of the brain, the autopsy is continues in the usual manner taking care to remove the pelvic organ en masse for a thorough examination.

In the investigation of abortion deaths, special attention should be paid to:

1.   Visit the scene

Undisturbed photograph or sketch of the scene is important. The state of underclothing should be noted. They should be air dried if wet and saved for further examinations by Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) if necessary. Search should be made for material that might have been used, such an instruments injection ampoules, abortifacient jellies, pills, douche apparatus and the like, all of which should be preserved as evidence.

  2.   Examine the women for evidence of pregnancy

The medical officer should note carefully the presence or absence of signs of pregnancy which may be visible upon the exterior of the body. In a primi-para, the expression of fluid from the breast may be of indirect value in diagnosis of pregnancy. The female genital tract is removed as per special technique. The cavity of the uterus should be examined for a placental site or for remains of foetus, placenta or membranes, and ovaries examined for the presence of corpus luteum. It is always advisable to remove a piece of tissue for histopathological examination from what is thought to be placental site so that the presence of chorionic villi may be identified microscopically. The possibility of post-mortem delivery as a result of putrefactive gases generated in the abdomen must be kept in mind.

  3.   Determine the method of abortion

The findings depend upon the period of gestation had reached, mode of abortion practised, and the time elapsed between its performance and death.

The methods in common use are:

a)  Instruments:

If abortion has resulted from an instrumental method such as dilation and curettage, the teeth marks made by the volsellum may be seen on the cervix and the scraping marks seen on the inside of the uterus. When a sharp pointed instrument is used to perforate the membranes injuries to cervix, fundus and vagina are common. Contrary to popular belief, injury to fornices is not common. The whole genital tract should be carefully examined for injuries such as punctures or lacerations indicating the introduction of an instrument. The nature of the injuries may indicate if the instrument was penetrating and sharp pointed or blunt and if it was self-introduced or with help from someone else. The damage is usually great and infection common in self-practised instrumentation. The damage is less when skilled help is available. This differentiation is not difficult if Simpson’s advice is remembered: It is possible that even a clean, apparently skilled introduction of an instrument in the cervix of the uterus might be affected by a woman herself unaided, but only remotely possible; the less the damage the more likely it is that help was given; the more gross the injury the more probable it is that it was the clumsy unaided effort of the woman herself. Special attention should be directed to the condition of pelvic contents. An examination should be made for evidence of uterine or extra uterine infection. Septic endometritis, infection of the uterine wall, broad ligaments and pelvic connective tissues may follow upon instrumental interference, even without apparent damage, due to unclean instruments and dirty surroundings. The uterine infection manifests itself by foul smelling discharge. The extent and spread of the infective process should be noted to get an idea of time since abortion. It is advisable to weight of nulliparous uterus in about 40gms and size 7.5 x 5 x 2.5 cms. The weight of multiparous uterus is about 60 gms and its size increased by 1cm or more than the nulliparous uterus.

b)  Abortion Stick:

This is a thin wooden or bamboo stick about 15 to 20 cms long or a twig of similar length from some irrigant plant such as madar. When the stick is used it is equipped at one end with cotton wool or a piece of rag soaked in an irritant substance such as marking nut juice or paste prepared from white arsenic, red lead or asafoetida. The twig may be used by itself as an abortion stick. Locally, there may be excoriation, bruising and perforation in the upper part of the vagina or the uterus as a result of irritation from the stick substance and the violence perpetrated during the introduction of the stick. If the stick is found, it should be preserved as evidence. It may also be submitted for toxicological examination. Sepsis is common.

c)   Syringing fluids:

The mucous membrane of the vagina may show signs of irritation or erosion from the caustic substances and strong antiseptics that may have been used. The cervical canal and the cavity of the uterus should be examined to see if there is any fluid, and if so, its nature. If the focus is still present, the mucus plug in the cervix should be examined to see if it is displaced, disintegrated or lost. When there is suspicion that a poisonous substance has been locally used, it is necessary to submit specimens of vagina, or uterus and its appendages for toxicological examination.

d)  Drugs:

Where there are no signs of local injury and should there be reasons to suspect that drugs have been used and since most of the drugs are irritants, the condition be carefully examined and appropriate viscera preserved for chemical analysis.

4.   Examination of the aborted material

During abortion, the whole ovum (in early pregnancy) or portions of the ovum may be expelled from the uterus. Small portions of an ovum may be expelled in blood clots, and all material passed should therefore be examined microscopically. Nothing should be accepted as a result of conception if it does not show some constituent part of an ovum. If a foetus is passed during an abortion, an attempt should be made to estimate its approximate age. Hess’s rule states that the square of the number of calendar months of gestation gives the crown-heel length of foetus in centimetres.

As for example, if the age of the foetus is 3 months, its length will be 9 cms. After the fifth month, however, the number of months should be multiplied by five, which gives the length in centimetres.  As for example, at the age of 6 months, the length is 30 cms. The average accepted weight of foetus is about 400 gms at twenty weeks’ gestation, and this increases by about 400 gms every four weeks until thirty six weeks’ gestation when an infant should weight 2 kgs. During the last four weeks of pregnancy, the infant increases in weight by about 200 gms each week. Thus, at full term, the average weight of an infant is about 3 kgs. However, the length gives a more accurate assessment of the period of gestation, being far less variable than weight. Portions of material found within the uterus should be subjected to detailed naked eye and microscopic examination.

5. Examination of the aborted material

Death may occur: (a) immediately from shock (b) within a short period from (i) haemorrhage, or (ii) embolism, and (c) after several days from infection. The forensic pathologist is generally concerned with immediate deaths or deaths within a short period.

a.  Shock may occur immediately from reflex vagal inhibition due to stimulation of the trigger area, namely the cervix of the uterus. There are usually no injuries, no disease and no poisoning to account for the cause of death. History, when available, is helpful. 

b.  Haemorrhage results from internal injuries or perforation of the uterus. The uterus and pelvic organs are pale and anaemic if death took places as a result of haemorrhage but they are likely to be congested if death took place during mensuration. This distinction is important in dealing with defence pleas that haemorrhage was due to mensuration and not criminal abortion.

 c.  Ehen sepsis is suspected as the cause of death blood sample and swaps from cervix and uterine cavity should be submitted for bacteriologic culture. The organisms most commonly responsible are: Esch. Coli, CI. Welchii, haemolytic streptococci, and anaerobic streptococci. Of these, only CI. Welchii are of forensic interest. They may cause fulminating septicaemia within 18-24 hours. The resulting fatality in such a short period after the event constitutes somewhat obscure death which but for autopsy cannot be recognised as due to abortion. 

  Authors:

Navin Kumar Jaggi

Gurmeet Singh Jaggi

The post Medico-Legal Autopsy in Abortion Deaths appeared first on Legal Desire.

Medico-Legal Autopsy in Abortion Deaths published first on https://immigrationlawyerto.tumblr.com/

[marymosley]

Medico-Legal Autopsy in Abortion Deaths

In a routine autopsy the usual practice is to open a body with a chin to downwards. However, in a criminal abortion, it is necessary to follow a different order if evidence of air embolism- the commonest cause of sudden death in such cases- is not to be destroyed.

Air embolism occurs when a syringe is used to squirt soapy fluid from a bowl into the uterus to separate the membranes. Unless special care is taken to avoid it, the fluid level in the bowl drops until the sucking valve in the syringe is uncovered and so sucks in air. The raw lining membrane of the uterus is then exposed to frothed fluid and air is forced into the veins causing air embolism.

The autopsy should be done as soon as possible. Once the gas forming organisms develop, they closely mimic air embolism and vitiate the findings. When air embolism is suspected, if facilities permit, an x-ray of chest and abdomen should be taken.

The examination should commence from the vulva. Marks of violence on the external genitalia should be carefully noted. Containers should be kept ready to collect any fluid still lying within the vagina, cervix and uterus. The fluid may contain the even the partly displaced products of conception. Air may be present in the cavity of the uterus and it is possible to demonstrate the presence of both air and soapy fluids in the veins of the wall of the uterus from which they reach the heart.

Air bubbles can be demonstrated in the uterine and ovarian veins, inferior vena cava and right heart, pulmonary arteries, left heart and systemic arteries. The presence of air in the circulatory system causes mechanical obstruction to the outflow of blood. Cerebral and coronary air embolism are responsible for death. Soap can be demonstrated in the wall of the uterus, lungs and blood by histopathological and chemical examinations.

A small primary incision is made above the pubis to inspect the uterus and the adnexa for evidence of crepitation, injury, or necrosis. Inferior vena cava is inspected for gas bubbles. The incision is then extended upwards without cutting any large blood vessel. The pericardial sac is opened to inspect coronary vessels for evidence of segmentation. It is not always necessary to open the heart and large blood vessels under water or with the body immersed in a water bath as commonly believed. The skull vault is then removed carefully puncturing the meninges, and meninges reflected without injuring the blood vessels coursing over the lateral surface of the brain. The veins and basal arteries are then inspected for evidence of air embolism. After removal of the brain, the autopsy is continues in the usual manner taking care to remove the pelvic organ en masse for a thorough examination.

In the investigation of abortion deaths, special attention should be paid to:

1.   Visit the scene

Undisturbed photograph or sketch of the scene is important. The state of underclothing should be noted. They should be air dried if wet and saved for further examinations by Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) if necessary. Search should be made for material that might have been used, such an instruments injection ampoules, abortifacient jellies, pills, douche apparatus and the like, all of which should be preserved as evidence.

  2.   Examine the women for evidence of pregnancy

The medical officer should note carefully the presence or absence of signs of pregnancy which may be visible upon the exterior of the body. In a primi-para, the expression of fluid from the breast may be of indirect value in diagnosis of pregnancy. The female genital tract is removed as per special technique. The cavity of the uterus should be examined for a placental site or for remains of foetus, placenta or membranes, and ovaries examined for the presence of corpus luteum. It is always advisable to remove a piece of tissue for histopathological examination from what is thought to be placental site so that the presence of chorionic villi may be identified microscopically. The possibility of post-mortem delivery as a result of putrefactive gases generated in the abdomen must be kept in mind.

  3.   Determine the method of abortion

The findings depend upon the period of gestation had reached, mode of abortion practised, and the time elapsed between its performance and death.

The methods in common use are:

a)  Instruments:

If abortion has resulted from an instrumental method such as dilation and curettage, the teeth marks made by the volsellum may be seen on the cervix and the scraping marks seen on the inside of the uterus. When a sharp pointed instrument is used to perforate the membranes injuries to cervix, fundus and vagina are common. Contrary to popular belief, injury to fornices is not common. The whole genital tract should be carefully examined for injuries such as punctures or lacerations indicating the introduction of an instrument. The nature of the injuries may indicate if the instrument was penetrating and sharp pointed or blunt and if it was self-introduced or with help from someone else. The damage is usually great and infection common in self-practised instrumentation. The damage is less when skilled help is available. This differentiation is not difficult if Simpson’s advice is remembered: It is possible that even a clean, apparently skilled introduction of an instrument in the cervix of the uterus might be affected by a woman herself unaided, but only remotely possible; the less the damage the more likely it is that help was given; the more gross the injury the more probable it is that it was the clumsy unaided effort of the woman herself. Special attention should be directed to the condition of pelvic contents. An examination should be made for evidence of uterine or extra uterine infection. Septic endometritis, infection of the uterine wall, broad ligaments and pelvic connective tissues may follow upon instrumental interference, even without apparent damage, due to unclean instruments and dirty surroundings. The uterine infection manifests itself by foul smelling discharge. The extent and spread of the infective process should be noted to get an idea of time since abortion. It is advisable to weight of nulliparous uterus in about 40gms and size 7.5 x 5 x 2.5 cms. The weight of multiparous uterus is about 60 gms and its size increased by 1cm or more than the nulliparous uterus.

b)  Abortion Stick:

This is a thin wooden or bamboo stick about 15 to 20 cms long or a twig of similar length from some irrigant plant such as madar. When the stick is used it is equipped at one end with cotton wool or a piece of rag soaked in an irritant substance such as marking nut juice or paste prepared from white arsenic, red lead or asafoetida. The twig may be used by itself as an abortion stick. Locally, there may be excoriation, bruising and perforation in the upper part of the vagina or the uterus as a result of irritation from the stick substance and the violence perpetrated during the introduction of the stick. If the stick is found, it should be preserved as evidence. It may also be submitted for toxicological examination. Sepsis is common.

c)   Syringing fluids:

The mucous membrane of the vagina may show signs of irritation or erosion from the caustic substances and strong antiseptics that may have been used. The cervical canal and the cavity of the uterus should be examined to see if there is any fluid, and if so, its nature. If the focus is still present, the mucus plug in the cervix should be examined to see if it is displaced, disintegrated or lost. When there is suspicion that a poisonous substance has been locally used, it is necessary to submit specimens of vagina, or uterus and its appendages for toxicological examination.

d)  Drugs:

Where there are no signs of local injury and should there be reasons to suspect that drugs have been used and since most of the drugs are irritants, the condition be carefully examined and appropriate viscera preserved for chemical analysis.

4.   Examination of the aborted material

During abortion, the whole ovum (in early pregnancy) or portions of the ovum may be expelled from the uterus. Small portions of an ovum may be expelled in blood clots, and all material passed should therefore be examined microscopically. Nothing should be accepted as a result of conception if it does not show some constituent part of an ovum. If a foetus is passed during an abortion, an attempt should be made to estimate its approximate age. Hess’s rule states that the square of the number of calendar months of gestation gives the crown-heel length of foetus in centimetres.

As for example, if the age of the foetus is 3 months, its length will be 9 cms. After the fifth month, however, the number of months should be multiplied by five, which gives the length in centimetres.  As for example, at the age of 6 months, the length is 30 cms. The average accepted weight of foetus is about 400 gms at twenty weeks’ gestation, and this increases by about 400 gms every four weeks until thirty six weeks’ gestation when an infant should weight 2 kgs. During the last four weeks of pregnancy, the infant increases in weight by about 200 gms each week. Thus, at full term, the average weight of an infant is about 3 kgs. However, the length gives a more accurate assessment of the period of gestation, being far less variable than weight. Portions of material found within the uterus should be subjected to detailed naked eye and microscopic examination.

5. Examination of the aborted material

Death may occur: (a) immediately from shock (b) within a short period from (i) haemorrhage, or (ii) embolism, and (c) after several days from infection. The forensic pathologist is generally concerned with immediate deaths or deaths within a short period.

a.  Shock may occur immediately from reflex vagal inhibition due to stimulation of the trigger area, namely the cervix of the uterus. There are usually no injuries, no disease and no poisoning to account for the cause of death. History, when available, is helpful. 

b.  Haemorrhage results from internal injuries or perforation of the uterus. The uterus and pelvic organs are pale and anaemic if death took places as a result of haemorrhage but they are likely to be congested if death took place during mensuration. This distinction is important in dealing with defence pleas that haemorrhage was due to mensuration and not criminal abortion.

 c.  Ehen sepsis is suspected as the cause of death blood sample and swaps from cervix and uterine cavity should be submitted for bacteriologic culture. The organisms most commonly responsible are: Esch. Coli, CI. Welchii, haemolytic streptococci, and anaerobic streptococci. Of these, only CI. Welchii are of forensic interest. They may cause fulminating septicaemia within 18-24 hours. The resulting fatality in such a short period after the event constitutes somewhat obscure death which but for autopsy cannot be recognised as due to abortion. 

  Authors:

Navin Kumar Jaggi

Gurmeet Singh Jaggi

The post Medico-Legal Autopsy in Abortion Deaths appeared first on Legal Desire.

Medico-Legal Autopsy in Abortion Deaths published first on https://immigrationlawyerto.tumblr.com/