CDI 02 ⦿ It may be a sidewalk, a house or apartment, possibly

SPECIALIZED CRIME INVESTIGATION a burnt-out car, a plundered bank, a computer hard

WITH LEGAL MEDICINE drive.
⦿ Whatever the location, crime scenes shares one
unifying thread if the criminal is to be brought to
SPECIAL CRIME INVESTIGATION
justice, then all the evidence within that location
⦿ Deals with the study of major crimes based on the
needs to be recovered and process with the utmost
application of special investigative technique.
accuracy.
⦿ The study concentrates more on physical evidence,
⦿ Most of the crimes are solved through fed
its collection, handling, identification and
information given by the concerned individual to the
preservation in coordination with the crime
police investigator e.g. verbal description or possible
laboratory.
hide outs of the perpetrator.
⦿ It involves a close relationship between the prober
in the field and the crime laboratory technician.
⦿ They work together as a team, reacting to and
CASE SUBJECT OF SPECIAL
extending one another’s theories and finding both
CRIME INVESTIGATION
working patiently and thoroughly to solve a crime
from their investigative discoveries.
⦿ Homicide (generic term which includes murder,
⦿ The present criminal justice system in our country, parricide, infanticide or death where the suicide
the court relies more on physical evidence rather is suspicious.)
than extra-judicial confession ⦿ sex crimes
⦿ Today crime is a progressive and pervasive, it is ⦿ robbery(theft and carnapping)
quickly adapts itself to change and spread out that ⦿ arson
will affect the daily life of the society. ⦿ swindling or estafa cases
⦿ Everyday people heard in the radio or read in the ⦿ bank frauds
newspaper that there is an innocent person killed or ⦿ kidnapping
victimized by the lawless element crime can also ⦿ bombing
⦿ falsification of documents
anger us when a community member is brutally
⦿ narcotics control investigation
killed.
⦿ narcotics death investigation
⦿ It can create panic if we believed that what happen ⦿ hit and run accident investigation
to one victim it maybe also happen to us.
⦿ Modern times have seen a new spirit come over the INVESTIGATION
law enforcement agency engaged on a war on ⦿ An investigation is an examination, study,
crimes. analysis and research of facts and/or
⦿ The science of criminal investigation and detection circumstances, situations, incidents and
is still its youth crime detection today leans heavily scenarios, either related or not, for the
on a scientific method, the trained investigator of purpose of rendering a conclusion of proof.
this generation approaches crime problems with a ⦿ When one investigates, he/she makes a
full realization on how scientific method can serve systematic inquiry, closely analyzes and
him inspect while dissecting and scrutinizing
information.
CRIME ⦿ An investigation, therefore, is based upon a
complete and whole evaluation and not
⦿ Crime takes place everywhere and a crime scene can conjecture, speculation or supposition.
take almost any form.
 ⦿ When the most basic of law enforcement ⦿ It is also the collection and analysis of facts
function: the preservation of life, the about persons, things, and places, subject of
protection of property and the maintenance the crime to identify the guilty party, and
of peace, are not substantially realized, the provide admissible evidences to establish
investigate process must be undertaken. the guilt of parties involved the crime.
⦿ The mean of this process is twofold: first, the
investigator will attempt to identify and 17 Principles of Crime Investigation
safely apprehend the violator and secondly, 1. No two crimes are alike.
produce him/her before a proper court of 2. Most crimes are solved in one hour.
law. 3. Most crimes are solved by guess work and
luck.
CRIME DETECTION AND INVESTIGATION 4. The law provides elements as to what
⦿ Crime detection and investigation is both an happened.
art and a science, a relationship of common 5. The M.O. (modus operandi) provides clues as
sense, judgment, understanding to who do it.
experience, and an inherent intuitiveness 6. Criminal always makes mistakes.
along with a grasp of relative 7. Evidence is always present.
methodological comprehension. 8. People always lie to you.
⦿ The criminal investigator must constantly 9. Learn to work with others.
apply those skills, acquired through study 10. Know when to give up.
and experience, to the examination and 11. Public opinion is important.
observation of the criminal and his manners 12. You can never receive too much training.
as well as his social and physical 13. There’s never enough time.
surroundings. 14. The proper ethics is to put behind bars, but
⦿ Criminal investigations are conducted not by any means.
primarily for the prevention of crimes occur. 15. Think like a “native” not a criminal.
⦿ Law Enforcement officer is responsible to 16. Document everything.
the community it serves and must discharge 17. Establish credibility in court.
its duty by immediately investigating such
incidents. Preferably the investigation will Terms and Definition in Special Crime Investigation
cause the violator to appear before a court
so as to answer for his/her behavior. ⦿ Criminal Investigator – he is the skilled
⦿ Ultimately and probably most important, is person who is charged with the duty of
that the investigation, detection and conducting criminal investigation when
apprehension of the criminal, effectually crime is committed.
serves to restrain recidivism thereby ⦿ Crime Scene – is the place where the crime
reducing overall crime. or offense is committed. Locale within the
immediately vicinity of the occurrence
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION wherein evidence may be found.
⦿ Criminal investigation seeks all facts
associated with a crime to determine the Qualities of Investigator
truth what happen and who is responsible of
a criminal incident. 1. Perseverance – steadfastness, persistence
⦿ It is a logical, objective, and legal inquiry and resolution to bring the desired
involving a possible criminal activity.
 conclusion in spite of obstacles connected THE THREE TOOLS OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
with criminal investigation. 1, INFORMATION – the knowledge or facts that the
2. Endurance – it is the ability to last physically investigator had gathered or acquired from persons
and mentally, enduring sleepless rights and or documents, which are pertinent or relevant
tiresome days. concerning the commission of a crime or criminal
3. Incorruptible Honesty And Integrity – the activities.
ability to resist or avoid temptation. INFORMATION CLASSIFIED AS TO SOURCES
4. The Intelligence And Wisdom of Solomon – ⦿ Regular Sources – records, files from
this is the ability of the investigator to government or non-government agencies,
decipher falsehood from truth and separate news items, TV broadcast, intercepted radio,
the grain from the chaff. telephone messages and stored computer
5. The Knowledge Of Psychology And Other data.
Natural Sciences – the investigator must ⦿ Cultivated Sources – these are information’s
know the different patterns of human furnished by informants or informers.
behavior, the prevailing situations in a ⦿ Grapevine Sources – these are information
specific environment and the laws of nature coming from the underworld characters such
in order to detect deceptions and lies. as prisoners or ex-convicts.
6. Acting Ability – the ability to go down the
level of the minor, prostitute or slum 2. INTERROGATION - the process of obtaining an
dwellers, or the level of the other admission of confession from those suspect who
professionals or the members of the elite. have committed a crime. It is confrontational in
7. Mastery Of Oral And Written nature. The term interrogation also applies to an
Communication – the investigator must uncooperative or reluctant witness. This kind of
know how to communicate with the people witness is treated as suspect in order that he will
in the community through oral and written divulge the information needed by the investigator.
form.
Field Inquiry – it is the general questioning of all
8. The Keen Power Of Observation And
people in the crime scene conducted by the
Description – the investigator must know
investigator.
how to observe and describe accurately
especially in crime scene investigation. 3. INSTRUMENTATION – it is the process of applying
9. Courage – the moral fortitude to tell the instruments or tools of police sciences in criminal
truth no matter who will be hurt. investigation and detection. The use of the police
10. Working Knowledge of Criminal Law, laboratory in the examination of physical evidence,
Evidence, Criminal Procedure and Penal such as Forensic Ballistics and other sciences. This is
Special Laws sometimes called criminalistics.
11. Sense of Justice and Fair Play
12. The Power to Read between the Lines
13. Working Knowledge Of Martial Arts And The primary purpose of a crime scene search
Firearm Proficiency – extra skill that can be
⦿ To develop associative evidence that could
used by the investigator situations like
link a suspect to the scene or a victim, and to
arresting and interrogating a certain suspect.
answer questions crucial to the investigation,
such as who perpetrated the crime, how the
crime was committed, the circumstances
surrounding the commission of the crime,
and why the crime was committed.
Before deciding the search method, all the 15. Is there any blood splatter on floors, walls or
investigators and the forensic experts must follow ceilings?
the general guidelines (check list) to observe the
crime scene after due recording:
THE METHODS OF CRIME SCENE SEARCH
1. Are the doors and windows locked or unlocked? ⦿ Zonal Method.
Open or shut? ⦿ Strip Method.
2. Are there signs of forced entry, such as tool marks ⦿ Line Search.
or broken locks? ⦿ Grid Method.
3. Is the house or the crime scene is in good order? ⦿ Spiral Method (Outward Spiral & Inward
If not, does it look like there was a struggle or was Spiral)
the victim just messy? ⦿ Wheel Search Method.
4. Is there mail/post/suicidal note/threatening note/ ⦿ Random Search
etc. lying around? Has it been opened? Or where it
is located?
5. Is the kitchen in good order? Is there any partially
eaten food? Is the table set? If so, for how many
people?
6. Are there signs of a party, such as empty glasses
or bottles or full ashtrays?
7. If there are full ashtrays, what brands of cigarettes
are present?
8. Is there anything that seems out of place? Is there
a couch blocking a doorway?
9. Is there trash in the trash cans? Is there anything
out of the ordinary in the trash? Is the trash in the
right chronological order? If not, someone might
have been looking for something in the victim's
trash.
10. Are the bathroom towels wet? Are the
bathroom towels missing? Are there any signs of a
cleanup?
11. If the crime is a shooting, how many shots were
fired? The CSI will try to locate the gun, each bullet,
each shell casing and each bullet hole.
12. If the crime is a stabbing, is a knife obviously
missing from victim's kitchen? If so, the crime may
not have been premeditated.
13. Are there any shoe prints or any other footwear
marks on the floor or in the area immediately
outside the building?
14. Are there any tire marks in the driveway or in the
area around the building?
THE METHODS OF CRIME SCENE SEARCH SKETCHING THE CRIME SCENE
⦿ STRIP METHOD - the searchers proceed ⦿ SKETCH- it is the graphic representation of
slowly at the same place along the path the crime scene. With complete
parallel to one side of the rectangle. At the measurements of relative distances of
end of the rectangle, the searchers turn and relevant objects and conditions obtaining
proceed back along new lanes but parallel to therein.
the first movement.
⦿ THE DOUBLE STRIP OR GRID METHOD - it THE GENERAL KINDS OF SKETCH
has the same process as that of the strip ⦿ Rough Sketch - it is made by the investigator
method but with modification that the lanes at the crime scene which is full of important
covered by the strip methods is reprocessed details. This is used as the basis for the
twice. finished sketch. The crime scene artist makes
⦿ THE SPIRAL OR CIRCULAR METHOD - the a rough sketch of the scene. It becomes part
searchers follow each other in a path of of the crime scene investigation file. The
spiral, beginning in the outside and spiraling artist uses the rough sketch later to make a
towards the center of the scene. finished sketch of the scene.
⦿ ZONE METHOD - the area divided into
quadrants and each searcher is assigned to
his specific quadrant. This method is
sometimes called quadrant method.
⦿ THE WHEEL, RADIAL OR SPOKE METHOD -
this method is applied if the area to be
searched is approximately circular or oval.
The searchers gather at the center and
proceed outward a radii or spokes. The
setback of this methods is that the distance
of the searchers increase as they proceed ⦿ Finished Sketch - this is sketch with a scale of
forward. proportion and drawn by a draftsman. The
sketch are for courtroom presentation. It
often drawn to scale. A scale is a small
distance on the drawing that represents a
larger distance at the scene. Drawing often
use a scale of ¼ inch = 1 foot.
The finished drawing is also part of the investigation Post mortem examination- is the cursory
file and is often used in court. The finished drawing examination of the dead body by the medico-legal
is the equivalent of data analysis or a scientific officer at the crime scene. Autopsy is more detailed.
report in a scientific investigation.
AUTOPSY OR NECROPSY REPORT- it is the medical
CRIME RECONSTRUCTION document or report stating the cause of the death of
⦿ RECONSTRUCTING THE CRIME - it is the the victim.
assessment made by the investigator after
the crime scene investigation, of how the THE THREE SIGNS OF PRESUMPTIVE DEATH
crime is committed. ⦿ Cessation of breathing or respiratory
KINDS OF RECONSTRUCTING THE CRIME movement
⦿ PHYSICAL RECONSTRUCTIONS - ⦿ Cessation of heart sound
reconstructing the crime is based on the ⦿ Loss of flushing on nail beds when pressure
physical appearance of the crime scene is released
mainly focused on the pieces of physical
evidence. And the accounts of witnesses and SUSPENDED ANIMATION- it is the condition in
suspects. which the cardiac activity, breathing and functioning
⦿ MENTAL RECONSTRUCTION - based on the of the nervous system may reach a low level of
physical reconstruction, some conclusions activity that a homicide investigator may be
could be formulated taking into account all deceived into an assumption of death.
available pieces of evidence.
CONDITIONS WHICH PRODUCE
HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION SIMULATED APPEARANCE OF DEATH

THE THREE BRIDGES IN HOMICIDAL INVESTIGATION ⦿ Electric shock

WHICH SHALL NOT BE CROSSED ⦿ Prolonged immersion in water
⦿ The first stage is the body has been moved. ⦿ Poisoning from narcotic drugs
⦿ The second bridge is when the cadaver has ⦿ Barbiturate poisoning
been embalmed. ⦿ Certain mental illness
⦿ The third bridge is when the dead person is
burned or cremated.
METHODS OF IDENTIFYING THE DECEASED
⦿ Finger print
AUTOPSY DISTINGUISHED FROM ⦿ Skeletal studies by anthropologist
POST MORTEM EXAMINATION ⦿ Visual inspection
⦿ Personal effects
AUTOPSY – it is the process by which the pathologist ⦿ Tattoo marks
or the medico-legal officer conducts an examination ⦿ Dental evidence by the forensic odontologist
on the cadaver to determine the exact cause of ⦿ Clothing’s
death. Autopsy should be performed at once when ⦿ Photograph
there is the slightest reason to suspect the
probability of homicide. Photographs and Sketch
Are interdependent with each other as an evidence
in court presentation.
Special Kinds of Physical Evidence 4. Cross- Projection Sketch- making sketch of the
1. Blood Sample crime scene inside a room. Done by drawing the wall
2. Bloodstain as if they were folded down flat on the floor. It is very
3. Hair Samples –Pubic hair are important in cases good where there are bullet holes or bloodstains on
of rape or sexual assault both from victim and the wall or ceiling.
criminal. 5.Finished Sketch- the sketch need not include
4. Trace Evidence- paints, glass, soil, wood figures to show distances. A copy of this sketch is
fragments, debris, etc. maybe found adhering to the appended to each copy of the investigative report.
surface of clothing, inmside pockets, in trouser cuffs 6. Street Location Sketch- useful when dealing with
and on larger items like automobile cushions, seat several locations and pinpointing the movement of
covers, floor mats, inside the trunk of car or on various persons. Symbols and signs can be used to
robes. show the movements of persons involved.
5. Clothing
6. Firearms- never unload the weapon or turn the Total Station- an electronic measuring instrument,
cylinder of a revolver unless it is necessary because referred to as an electronic distance meter (EDM)
the position of the cartridge in the gun are very which records distance, slope and horizontal and
important to the firearms examiner vertical angles to a given point.

Responsibilities of Special Crime Investigations

Two Types of Crime Scene
1. Indoor Scene- normally located within a
⮚ Determine if the Crime has been Committed
residence or counter.
⮚ Verify Jurisdiction
2. Outdoor scene- maybe a very large area, such as
part of wooded area, or a smaller area such as a ⮚ Discover All Facts and Collect Physical
Evidence
residential backyard, the most common, with the
outdoor scene occurring at the approximate rate of ⮚ Recover Stolen Property
30 %. ⮚ Identify Perpetrator
⮚ Locate and Apprehend the Perpetrator
Crime Scene Protection - is extremely important ⮚ Aid in the Prosecution of the Perpetrator
with regards to subsequent success in admitting ⮚ Testify Effectively in Court
evidence in judicial proceeding. Only items
demonstrated to be authentic to the scene and free Phases of Special Crime Investigation
from contamination will be allowed to be entered as
evidence during the trial. 1.The Preliminary Investigation- an inquiry
conducted to determine whether there is sufficient
ground to engender a well founded belief that a
Sketching Methods crime has been committed and the respondent is
1. Coordinate Method- employs the practice of probably guilty thereof, and should be held for trial.
measuring an object from two (2) fixed points of 2.The In-Depth Investigation – a phase of criminal
reference. One such procedure is the base line investigation that follows up initial leads which
method . develop during the preliminary investigation and
2. Triangulation method- bird’s eye view of the opens up a new area of inquiry
scene, utilizing fixed objects from which to measure.
Useful for outdoor crime scene where there are no
easily identifiable points of reference.
The Following Task In-Depth Inquiries decisions concerning the continuation of the
1.A return to the crime scene for: case must be made
• Familiarization of localities, objects, and so ❑ The investigating officer works closely with
forth the prosecuting fiscal.
• Additional thorough search for physical
evidence Criminal Case Should be prepared for trial in the
• Location of an identified victims and following manner:
witnesses statements that are associated ✔ Review the suspects arrest to ascertain its
with the physical structure of the scene. legality.
2. The processing and coordination of reports, ✔ Review all suspects’ statements and
records and documents having some bearing on the admissions as to legality.
in and on inquiry ✔ Review the manner in which all relevant
⦿ Checking local and national agencies for evidence has been secured.
arrest, records of suspect, if identified ✔ Re-examine legal requirements of victim and
⦿ Examining the modus operandi file witnesses statements and identification of
⦿ Examining field interview records for similar the suspect.
descriptions of a suspect, motor vehicle and
✔ Review and compile all notes, reports and
so forth.
documents that may be used during the trial.
3.The application of criminalistics to the case by
✔ Review all information secured by the use of
initiating the completion of the following:
informants and make decisions about the
• Packaging and transporting physical
possibility of their use in court
evidence to a crime laboratory
✔ Review the prosecutions strategy and the
• Accounting for the return of crime laboratory
nature of investigators testimony to be used
reports for each examination requested
during trial.
• Arranging for experts criminalistics
processing of the crime scene, if necessary. ✔ Arranged for all necessary experts-witness
4. The gathering of investigative leads by obtaining testimony.
information from the following:
❖ Informants of a criminal background, paid or Significance of Reconstructing the Past
otherwise
❖ merchants?/other non-criminal informants The information needed to reconstruct the past is
who may aid in the recovery of the stolen available through the three sources.
property
1.PEOPLE – are social beings and information on
❖ A thorough neighborhood search for
them can usually be found in the possession of
witnesses or those who may provide any
family, relatives, works or business associates and
type of pertinent information.
others who share their recreational interest.
❖ An appeal to the public for information, by
• they talk willingly and some will be reluctant
utilization of the media or other sources.
to disclose what they know
5. The concluding investigation
2.PHYSICAL EVIDENCE – is any object of a material
❑ The final stage which is the direct outgrowth
nature is potential evidence. The scientific
of previous two stages
specialists, which undertake most examinations of
❑ If the preliminary and in-depth investigation physical evidence, use forensic medicine, chemistry
has been successful in identifying, locating and criminalistics purpose:
and arresting suspect, certain administrative • acquisition of facts
If the material is found at the crime scene: Five Essential Steps in Managing
a) Can be linked to the location of suspect Special Crime Investigation:
b) Can be used to reconstruct what happened
c) Cause of death 1. Essential consultation between executives of
the agencies
3.RECORDS – is form of physical evidence 2. Increased cooperation among supervisory
• Not need to be printed or hand written, they personnel of the agency
must be stored on film, tape or even 3. The use of liaison officers to communicate to
computer disc or hand drive police personnel the investigatory
• Useful in criminal investigation techniques and evidence standards that the
prosecutor requires to file a case
4. Improved case preparation procedures,
Elements of Managing Special Crime Investigation including the use of forms and checklists.
5. Developed a system of formal and informal
1.Initial Investigation – there is a major difference feed back to the police on case dispositions
between a traditional investigation effort and
managing a special crime investigation. The special 5. Investigative Monitoring System
crime investigator hands over the responsibility for 1) Sets up to give administrators continuous
the investigation to the patrol officer responding to feedback on the investigative process and
the radio call. The aim is to have the uniformed the quality of personnel performance. The
police officer obtain all information available at the monitoring might focus on the percentage of
crime scene so that this task need not to be cases assigned for continuing investigation
repeated, should an investigator be assigned to and whether or not, the interval between
continue. assignment and cases closure has changed.
2.Case Screening – Managing special investigation 2) Presents difficulties not readily perceived. A
utilizes the initial information when screening a case basic one evolves because the systematic
to determine whether to close it out, as unsolvable assessments of quantitative data requires
or to recommend further investigation. intellectual skills which differ from those
3. Continuing Investigation – Managing special acquired through traditional investigative
investigation’s goal is to eliminate short comings by experience.
establishing administrative controls and organizing
investigative resources more effectively. Role of Crime Laboratory
- the former may be accomplished through 1. DNA Analysis- involves examination of
perspective supervision, case review and reporting. microscopic hereditary material found in blood,
4.Police Prosecutor Relations – prosecutors semen, organ tissue or even saliva from the back of
evaluate and marshals evidence before initiating licked posted stamp. DNA is a “genetic fingerprint”
criminal proceeding to determine if the law that identifies blood or semen found at the crime
enforcement standards for charging indicting and scene.
convicting an offender have been meet. If they are 2. Conventional Serology- Examines blood and
not, the prosecutor should explain what must be body fluid to identify types of stains and origin.
done to meet standards. Determine blood types and help link suspect to
crime.
3. Firearm and Tool Mark identification- matches COMMON FORMS OF EXTERNAL VIOLENCE
fractured items to their source compares marks left
by tools used at crime scene with the suspect’s tool, ABRASION- Injury characterized by removal of
compares firearm recovered at crime scene with specific epithelial layer of the skin brought about by
bullet, cartridge cases and other ammunition friction against a hard rough surface
components. CONTUSION- An injury found on the substance of
4. Data Analysis- uses chemical test to identify the skin discoloration of the surface due to
illegal substance extravasations of blood caused by the application of
5. Trace Evidence Analysis- examines gunshot blunt instrument
residue to associate the suspect with a shooting, INCISED WOUND- Produced by sharped edge
identifies unknown substance and examine plastic, instrument like bolo, broken glass, etc.
glasses and synthetic fibers that may have been LACERATED WOUND- Tearing of the skin due to
transferred to a suspect at the crime scene. forcible contact with a blunt instruments, which
6. Fingerprint Identification- compares two edges are irregular
fingerprint found at the crime scene. Identified STAB WOUNDS- forcible application of a sharp
suspect using Automated Fingerprint Identification pointed with sharp edges.
System (AFIS of PNP, NBI ) a national data bank of PUNCTURED WOUND- produced by sharp pointed
fingerprints. instruments. (natusok, natinik)
7.Document Examination- makes altered HEMATOMA- Extravasations of blood in the newly
documents readable with the use of infrared or formed cavity known as blood tumor caused by
ultraviolet photography. blunt instrument
8. Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation- examines the
bloodstain patterns to reconstruct the events that
TERMS CONNECTED WITH HOMICIDE
occurred during the crime.
9. Toxicology- Determines whether drugs or toxic HOMICIDE- killing of human being by another
materials were present at victims body, and human being
examines blood samples to determine whether SORORICIDE- the killing of one’s sister
person was driving the influence of drugs or alcohol. FRATRICIDE- killing of one’s brother
10. Forensic Anthropology (NG and PO 2007)- the MATRICIDE- the killing of mother by her own child
application of the science of physical anthropology PATRICIDE- the killing of a father by his own child
to the legal process. Identification of human PARRICIDE- the killing of a person whom he is
skeleton. related such as parent , grandparent, legal wife, child
or grandchild
Forensic Anthropologist INFANTICIDE- the killing of a child which is less than
⦿ They are “Bone Detectives” , who help police three days old
solve complex cases involving unidentified SUICIDE- taking one’s own life intentionally and
human remains. voluntarily
⦿ Works to suggest the age, sex, ancestry, race UXORICIDE- act of one who murder his wife
stature, height and unique feature if a REGICIDE- the murder or killing of a king
decedent from the skeleton. VATICIDE- the murder of a prophet
ABORTICIDE- the killing of the fetus inside the womb
of the mother which is also called ABORTION
EUTHANASIA- mercy killing or painless death of a
person suffering from incurable disease to cut short
his suffering. This is murder with a qualifying TWO BRANCHES OF PATHOLOGY
aggravating circumstance of treachery.
Filicide - Filicide is the deliberate act of a parent ANATOMIC – deals with the structural alterations of
killing their own child the human body
Familicide- A familicide is a type of murder or
murder-suicide in which at least one spouse and one CLINICAL- which deals with laboratory examination
or more children are killed; or in which a parent or of samples removed from the body.
parents and possibly other relatives such as siblings
and grandparents are killed. In some cases all of the ROLE OF FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST
family members' lives are taken. A) Establishing cause of death.
Avunculicide- is the act of killing an uncle. The word B) Establishing manner of death.
can also refer to someone who commits such an act. C) Estimating the time of death.
The term is derived from the Latin words avunculus D) Inferring the type of weapon used/
meaning "maternal uncle" and caedere meaning "to E) Establishing the identity of the deceased.
cut down" or "to kill". F) Determining the additive effect of trauma or
Democide -is a concept proposed by U.S. political pre-existing conditions.
scientist Rudolph Rummel to describe
"the intentional killing of an unarmed or disarmed CAUSE OF DEATH
person by government agents acting in
their authoritative capacity and pursuant to a) PROXIMATE CAUSE OF DEATH
government policy or high command ⦿ The initial injury that lead to a sequence of
Feticide- is the act of killing a fetus, or causing an events, which cause the death of the victim.
abortion. b) IMMEDIATE CAUSE OF DEATH
Dominicide - The killing of one's master. (obsolete) ⦿ The injury or disease that finally killed the
A person who kills his master. individual.
Giganticide- the killing of a giant ⦿ Example: A man burned extensively as a
Pedicide - child murder, or child homicide is the result of house fire dies two weeks later due
homicide of an individual who is a minor to sepsis. The proximate cause of death is his
Nepoticide - The killing of one's own nephew. burns, leading to sepsis, which is the
(countable) One who kills his or her own nephew immediate cause of death.
(pamangkin).

MANNER OF DEATH
DEATH INVESTIGATION
⦿ SUICIDE- The victim caused his/her death on
DEATH INVESTIGATION- deals with the postmortem purpose.
investigation of sudden unexpected death. ⦿ ACCIDENTAL - In the manner of death, the
Forensic pathology- is the branch of medicine with individual false victim to an accident. Some
the study of structural changes in the body that degree of human negligence may be involved
caused by disease or injury. in accidental deaths, but the magnitude of
the negligence falls short of that reasonably
expected in negligent homicide.
⦿ NATURAL CAUSE- The victim dies as a result
of natural causes, which usually include
 some type of organ failure due to old age or ⦿ Whether or not the deceased is in contact
disease. with water or wet or cold surface – the
presence of moisture will hasten the rate of
POSTMORTEM CHANGES IN THE BODY cooling.
⦿ POSTMORTEM – is in reference to events or ⦿ It is usually not known what the body
changes that occur after death. temperature of the victim was when he/she
⦿ ANTIMORTEM – is in reference to event or died ( for example, if a person died of heat
changes that occur before death. stroke or hypothermia).
When a person dies, there series of changes in the
body goes to the predictable. Livor Mortis
These changes can aid in: - Livor Mortis- Refers to the settling of blood
- The approximate time of death and in the body due to gravity.
- Whether or not the body was moved after - Livor Mortis or hypostasis is a purplish
death occurred. discoloration of the body and organ surfaces.
It result blood settles to the lower parts of
the body. It becomes visible in the skin
between half jour and two hours after death.
ALGOR MORTIS (BODY COOLING After Death) - Livor mortis starts to develop 2-4 hours after
- The standard that is commonly applied is death, become non-fixed or blanchable up to
that the body cools at the rate of 1 ½ degrees 8-12 hours from the time of death
F (17 degrees Celsius) per hour. Based on a - Early on, the blood remains in the vessels, so
deep rectal temperature of 98.6 degree F the livor can blanched by applying pressure
(37.5 degrees Celsius) in a living person, a to the affected part. During this blanched
rectal temperature of 95 degrees (35 degree stage, if the body is moved and the body
Celsius) in a deceased person would indicate position is changed after the livor mortis
a 3-hour postmortem interval. become visible, the livor mortis can migrate
NOTE: Normal body temperature is maintained by away from those dependant areas to the
blood circulation. When the heart stops, the new dependant areas.
circulation ceases and the body begins to cool. - Later, the blood hemolysis, and the
hemoglobin breakdown causes to pigment
After the first hour, the rate of cooling is dependent leach out. At this point, the livor mortis
upon: cannot be blanched by pressure and is to be
Environmental temperature -heat and cold will said “fixed” and will not migrate, even if the
affect the rate of cooling. body position is changed.
Amount of clothing wear by the deceased - more
clothing will insulate the body and retard the rate of LIVOR MORTIS (Lividity)
cooling. ⦿ The period over which livor becomes fixed is
The state of nutrition – thin people will cool rapidly also extremely variable, dependent on the
than an obese person, fat also insulate the body and conditions described previously for body
retard the cooling. cooling. Because there are so many variable,
The presence of wind – wind will hasten the rate of little useful information that can be gained
cooling. from livor mortis in trying to determine the
⦿ Relative Humidity – is tied in with time of death.
temperature and wind as to how it affects ⦿ Areas of the skin that are in contact with a
the rate of cooling. surface may prevent the livor mortis from
 discoloring the skin at the point of contact, Time of occurrence of Rigor Mortis
resulting in the appearance of a negative ⦿ If the body feels warm and no rigor is
pattern on the skin. present, death occurred under 3 hours
⦿ Livor mortis can be useful for determining if before.
the body was moved after death. Because ⦿ if the body feels warm and stiff, death
the livor settles to the lower extremities of occurred 3-8 hours earlier.
the body, if the livor mortis is found on the ⦿ If the body feels cool and stiff, death
upper extremities of the body, it had to be occurred 8-36 hours earlier.
moved. If the body is cold and no stiff, death occurred more
than 36 hours earlier

RIGOR MORTIS (stiffening of the muscle)

⦿ Rigor mortis is a condition in which the DESICCATION-occurs most prominently on the
muscles of the body become hardened as a mucous membranes, which during life are kept
result of chemical changes within the moist ( by blinking, lip licking, etc) and are no longer
muscles fibers. protected from dying. The membrane may look
⦿ The process is due to the appearance of “burned”, and the conjunctiva may actually be black.
lactic acid and other by-products of
metabolism. DECOMPOSITION
⦿ As the acid products accumulate in the ⦿ Decomposition is also referred to as
muscles fibers, the protoplasm, which is in a putrefaction, is the sequence of
liquid state in life, begins to gel, making the physiochemical events that begins with
muscle rigid. death the dissolution of the nondurable
⦿ The small muscles are affected first (chin parts of the body.
muscles). Rigor mortis is detected in 2 to 4 ⦿ It begins with a greenish discoloration of the
hours, complete in 6 to 12, remains for 12 to skin and mucous membranes.
18 hours, begins to leave in 24 to 36 hours, ⦿ The epidermis becomes detached from the
and completely gone in 40 to 60 hours. membrane and slips off the body.
⦿ However, there are documented cases ⦿ Autolysis refers to the action of digestive
where it has been gone in 9 to 23 hours. And enzymes or ferments that breakdown the
others where it is still present after 64 hours. complex protein and carbohydrates
⦿ The oneset and departure of rigor mortis is molecules in the body to simpler
greatly affected by previously noted compounds.
environmental conditions. ⦿ During life, these digestive enzymes only act
⦿ Because of the great variability of the oneset on food in the stomach, but after death will
of the rigor mortis, it is not a good indicator break down surrounding tissue.
for determining the time of death. ⦿ The combines effects putrefaction and
⦿ An outward visual indication of the rigor autolysis cause the soft tissue of the body to
mortis is the presence of “goose bumps” or decompose and breaks into a liquid state.
“goose flesh” on the skin. ⦿ The rate of decomposition is dependent
⦿ Rigor mortis is a good indicator of weather or upon environmental conditions. High heat
not the body was moved after the oneset of and high humidity will increase the oneset.
rigor mortis. Low temperatures and low humidity retard
the oneset.
Factors that affect the rate of human MUMMIFICATION occurs when the body dries out
decomposition : faster than decomposition takes place usually in hot,
1. weather dry environments.
2. temperature
3. moisture
4. pH
5. oxygen level
6. cause of death
7. body position

Human decomposition
-Human decomposition begins around four (4)
minutes after a person dies and follows four stages:
1. autolysis/self digestion- begins immediately after
death
2. bloat – due to gases the human body can double
in size & insect activity can be present
3. active decay – organs, muscles & skin become
liquefied.
4. skeletonization-loss of organic (collagen &
inorganic components there is no set of timeframe
when skeletonization occurs

Body Decomposition Timeline

⦿ 24-72 hours- the internal organs decompose
⦿ 3-5 days after death- the body starts to bloat
and blood-containing foam leaks from the
mouth and nose
⦿ 8-10 days after death- the body turns from
green to red as the blood decomposes and
the organs in the abdomen accumulate gas
⦿ 1 month after death- the body starts to
liquefy

PURGE
- As the body begins to transform into a liquid
state and gases build within the body, the
gases force the fluid from the body. This fluid
ranges from dark red and dark brown to
black, and has a very unpleasant odor.The
gases will force the putrefied liquid from the
body through the mouth, nose, vagina, and
anus. This liquid is referred to as purge.