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Time of Death Determination

Time of Death Determination. Livor Mortis Rigor Mortis. Livor Mortis – Color of Death. Settling of blood after death Gravity causes blood to settle at lowest spot Apparent 20 minutes – 4 hours after death Not “fixed” (non-changing) for ~ 3 hrs (blanching upon finger pressure)

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Time of Death Determination

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  1. Time of Death Determination Livor Mortis Rigor Mortis

  2. Livor Mortis – Color of Death • Settling of blood after death • Gravity causes blood to settle at lowest spot • Apparent 20 minutes – 4 hours after death • Not “fixed” (non-changing) for ~ 3 hrs (blanching upon finger pressure) • 6-8 hrs will be fixed

  3. Variables to Consider • Bodies in water, etc. where no fixed position • Situations w/o gravitational effect (spacecraft murder?) • Decomposition • Suntan/dark skin • Anemia • Massive loss of blood

  4. Visual Appearance • Usually dark red or purple • Carbon monoxide poisoning, cyanide results in cherry red or pink appearance • Likewise exposure to cold will affect

  5. Rigor Mortis – Stiffness of Death • Chemical changes after death cause muscle tightening • Starts in small muscles and moves to larger • Muscles of face and jaw usually go first • 3 hrs. – no effect • 4-6 – neck and jaw • 6-8 – more advanced throughout body

  6. Rigor Mortis • 12 hrs – full rigor • 18-24 hrs – begins resolving, head and jaw are slack • 30 hrs – rigor resolved, body limp

  7. Rigor Mortis • Chemical changes involve accumulation and breakdown of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) • ATP is the facilitator of muscle movement • When ATP depleted, full rigor results • Loss of rigor due to muscle fiber decomposition

  8. Rigor Variables • Muscular individuals experience to higher degree • Antemortem activity can deplete ATP and speed up onset • Death in sleep can slow down due to more ATP at death

  9. Cadaveric Spasm – a Rarity • Onset of rigor is instantaneous but diminishes in normal manner • Brought on by sudden, violent impact such as instantly fatal gunshot wound or collision • Happens but extremely rare

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