Predictive Equation Model to Estimate Postmortem Interval using Total Body Score
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v16i4.18659Keywords:
Total Body Score, Postmortem Interval, Accumulated Degree Days, Accumulated Degree Hour, EstimationAbstract
The decomposition process of corpse varies due to many factors. There are several studies conducted to improve
the postmortem interval (PMI) by visual inspection of human remains. In this study, a total body scoring method
was developed to estimate the PMI based on the decomposition and degree days (DD). One hundred and three
cases were used to estimate the PMI. The autopsy reports were scored using the decomposition scoring method. The
temperature data was obtained from the Thailand Meteorology Department (TMD). The PMI was estimated using
the total body score (TBS), accumulated degree day (ADD) and accumulated degree hour (ADH) from the finding
date back until the predicted time since death. To this end, a retroactive approach was taken in which cases from the
medical examiner with a known “date last seen” and “date recovered” were compiled. A qualitative analysis was
conducted examining the specific decomposition changes which occur in various contexts. Quantitatively, a linear
regression analysis was employed to determine if DD or TBS explained more of the variation in decomposition.
The ADH, ADD and TBS were determined to be the main components in modelling decay. These results suggest
that the TBS can be optimally used to assess PMI. While the ADD and ADH were used to overestimate PMI, which
indicating inconsistency of the method. In total, a set of time since death estimation formula applicable to indoor,
outdoor, and aquatic contexts was produced, and region-specific standards best suited to estimating time since
death in Thailand. Due to the subjectivity in all the available methods and decomposition is a highly variable
process. Further research is required before an estimated PMI should be considered as evidence in court.
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