Estimation of Late Postmortem Interval: Where Do We Stand? A Literature Review

Abstract

Estimating time since death can be challenging for forensic experts, and is one of the most challenging activities concerning the forensic world. Various methods have been assessed to calculate the postmortem interval on dead bodies in different stages of decomposition and are currently widely used. Nowadays, the only well-recognized dating technique is carbon-14 radioisotope measurement, whereas other methods have been tested throughout the years involving different disciplines with different and sometimes not univocal results. Today, there is no precise and secure method to precisely determine time since death, and late postmortem interval estimation remains one of the most debated topics in forensic pathology. Many proposed methods have shown promising results, and it is desirable that with further studies some of them might become acknowledged techniques to resolve such a difficult and important challenge. The present review aims at presenting studies about the different techniques that have been tested in order to find a valuable method for estimating time since death for skeletal remains. By providing a comprehensive overview, the purpose of this work is to offer readers new perspectives on postmortem interval estimation and to improve current practice in the management of skeletal remains and decomposed bodies.

Luminol and the postmortem interval estimation — influence of taphonomic factors

“…The selection of the used methods depends upon the unique aspects of each case and the resources at the disposal of forensic experts, keeping in mind the constraints associated with each method. It is fundamental to acknowledge the importance of adopting a multidisciplinary approach, as the decomposition process can significantly fluctuate, influenced by environmental, individual, and anthropic factors [ 1 , 4 , 41 ]. According to the flow chart to be followed in case of late PMI estimation, described by Franceschetti et al [ 41 ], the luminol technique can be used both when it is necessary to establish the forensic interest of the human remains, or when its forensic interest was previously established.…”

“…It is fundamental to acknowledge the importance of adopting a multidisciplinary approach, as the decomposition process can significantly fluctuate, influenced by environmental, individual, and anthropic factors [ 1 , 4 , 41 ]. According to the flow chart to be followed in case of late PMI estimation, described by Franceschetti et al [ 41 ], the luminol technique can be used both when it is necessary to establish the forensic interest of the human remains, or when its forensic interest was previously established. Though, through our obtained results, this evaluation must be conducted carefully, considering the surrounding environment that influences the decomposition process.…”

Postmortem chondrocyte viability in porcine articular cartilage: Influence of time, temperature, and burial under winter conditions

“…The overall accuracy of PMI determination decreases with increasing time since death [3]. To complicate matters, the environment in which the corpse is found influences the rate of decomposition through factors such as temperature, humidity, burial, presence of insects, scavenger activity, etc., which are intertwined and often influence each other [4]. Over the past decade, the accuracy of methods for estimating PMI, especially late PMI, has not improved significantly, measurement errors remain high, and only approximate PMI estimates can be made.…”

Volabolomic Fingerprinting for Post-Mortem Interval Estimation: A Novel Physiological Approach

“…Additional laboratory systems for PMI estimation involving supravital tissue reactions are, for example, ocular analysis, including potassium and hypoxanthine in the vitreous, pharmacological excitability of the iris, and electrical stimulation of the eyelid muscle, as well as analysis of biological clock genes, etc. Like other methods, these lose value and accuracy as decay progresses and organs and other soft tissues liquefy [ 1 , 8 ].…”