The effect of insect activity on clothing damage evidence following a period of decomposition

Bostock, Esta; Parkes, Gareth M.B.; Williams, Graham

doi:10.5920/css.574

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 2 publications

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“…Besides acting on pre-existing textile damage, the activity of carrion insects on clothed remains has been reported to produce de novo damage or tear-like artifacts, and to be the cause of clothing disarray, which may mislead the overall reconstruction of the events that may have occurred during a criminal event [23][24][25][26]. As a result of decomposition and insect activity, the outcome of an investigation requiring the identification of a weapon based on the damage produced on the clothing of a victim can be compromised [27,28]. When human remains are in a state of advanced decomposition, there is generally a reduction in the body mass, and the damage to clothing may be the only evidence relating to the event and potential causes of death [29,30].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Qualitative Analyses of Textile Damage (Cuts and Tears) Applied to Fabrics Exposed to the Decomposition of Carcasses and Associated Insect Activity in an Austral Summer

Ziogos,

Dadour,

Pitts

et al. 2023

Insects

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Fatal stabbings are the leading cause of homicide in countries with restricted access to firearms, such as Australia. The analysis of damage on clothing imparted by a sharp object can assist in the characterization of the weapon. However, decomposition and carrion insects can modify the features of the damage, impeding textile damage analysis and crime reconstruction. This study aimed to identify and characterize the modifications of textile damage over 47 days of decomposition during the summer season in Western Australia. Fabric modifications were analyzed on cotton, synthetic, and blended fabrics with standardized cuts and tears, wrapped on 99 stillborn piglets. Six unclothed piglets acted as controls, with three being stabbed. All piglets were placed simultaneously in the field alongside swatches of fabric. Analyses considered taphonomy, insect interactions, and any textile damage using optical microscopy and SEM. The results showed that carrion insects can modify existing cuts and tears and introduce new artifacts on textiles. The 100% cotton fabric was the most affected by mechanical and chemical degradation, especially cuts and areas stained with blood or decomposition fluids. The study highlights the combined effect of multiple factors on textile damage, including the type of fabric, initial damage, bloating, insect activity, and biodegradation.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Qualitative Analyses of Textile Damage (Cuts and Tears) Applied to Fabrics Exposed to the Decomposition of Carcasses and Associated Insect Activity in an Austral Summer

Ziogos,

Dadour,

Pitts

et al. 2023

Insects

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Interpreting Stains

Graumann

2024

SAJA

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Within the field of forensic anthropology, a primary goal for investigators is the estimation of a decedent’s post-mortem interval (PMI). Given its importance, numerous unique techniques exist to aid in accurate and precise PMI determinations. However, very few of these methods thoroughly account for the timeline upon which osteologic material becomes stained by its depositional environment. The organic structure of bone allows for a unique pattern of discolouration, but it can be difficult to interpret these properly. In order to discuss the widest array of discolouring factors, the following comprises results from varied individual studies, with the specifics of each process briefly described in order to present a wider overview of each factor. Four key headings allow an organized approach to the material—(i) Soil Contents, (ii) Atmospheric Processes, (iii) Human Traces, and (iv) Nefarious Acts—with each heading discussing three common sub-discolourants. Stains arise either by natural or nefarious means, varying drastically by geographical location and climate, producing a range of observable results. The analysis concludes with an integrated discussion of the factors detailed herein, to ultimately evaluate the question of whether or not discolouration can be utilized as a reliable PMI-estimation methodology.

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The effect of insect activity on clothing damage evidence following a period of decomposition

Cited by 2 publications

References 2 publications

Qualitative Analyses of Textile Damage (Cuts and Tears) Applied to Fabrics Exposed to the Decomposition of Carcasses and Associated Insect Activity in an Austral Summer

Qualitative Analyses of Textile Damage (Cuts and Tears) Applied to Fabrics Exposed to the Decomposition of Carcasses and Associated Insect Activity in an Austral Summer

Interpreting Stains

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