A Study of the Human Decomposition Sequence in Central Texas*

Abstract

Decomposition studies utilizing nonhuman subjects as human analogues are well established, but fewer studies utilizing intact human remains exist. This study provides data from a controlled decomposition study involving human remains in Central Texas. A 63.5-kg unmodified cadaver was placed in an open-air site and observed over a 10-week period from April 11 through June 19, 2008. A wire enclosure restricted scavenger access. State of decomposition and environmental conditions were recorded daily for the first 36 days and then every 2 weeks thereafter. Results indicated a high degree of correlation with other decomposition studies originating in the southwestern United States, although slight deviations for the average duration of early events were noted. The data were also utilized to test a quantitative method for estimating the postmortem interval. Results indicated preliminary support for a quantitative approach. Additional research is encouraged to further establish the human decomposition data set for Central Texas.

Characteristics and time-dependence of cut marks and blunt force fractures on costal cartilages: an experimental study

“…In addition, since in forensic scenarios remains of cartilage can be found along with skeletal remains and decomposition may strongly affect the macroscopic appearance of the remains [19,20], assessment of the cartilage was performed at different time intervals. A further purpose of the study was to assess the main changes that injuries may undergo over time and the feasibility of distinguishing between different types of wounding mechanisms.…”

Scoring of Decomposition: A Proposed Amendment to the Method When Using a Pig Model for Human Studies

“…These three scores were then added to give an overall total body score (TBS) for a particular body. The TBS scores were then used in further calculations and have also since been used in various other studies in several regions of the world (16,18,(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31). Most of these studies were, however, conducted on pig or rabbit remains, and no systematic review, analysis, or validations of the Megyesi et al TBS scoring system on pig remains has been performed since their original study.…”

A case of a death in the fortress Hisn al‐Bab, on the first cataract of the Nile

“…The state of preservation of the bones suggests that most of the body was covered with soil or wall debris in the immediate aftermath of the individual's death. Unlike the rest of the skeleton, the left hip bone and the right tibia lay exposed to atmospheric conditions for a longer period (Nawrocki, ; Parks, ). However, this must have happened after the loss of most of the soft tissue (Duday & Guillon, ), for example, after the removal of some of the rubble for reuse and the windblown dispersal of surrounding material, which is usual given the windy conditions on the cliff top.…”

“…This may suggest the presence of animals, which transported the bones away from the body (Christensen, Passalacqua, & Bartelink, ; Nawrocki, ). However, as there are neither bite marks around the shoulder nor the elbow joints, nor on the left fibula, by that time, the soft tissue must have been mostly decomposed and the joints disarticulated (Duday & Guillon, ; Galloway, ; Galloway, Birkby, Jones, Henry, & Parks, ; Parks, ). In this case, the undisturbed bones of the right lower arm and hand, as well as the left foot, apparently either did not attract the scavenging animal or were better protected, for example, by the covering wall debris.…”