Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Pages: 188-197

Journal: Rechtsmedizin

Volume number: 33

Issue number: 3

ISSN: 0937-9819

eISSN: 1434-5196

Open access status: Hybrid

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00194-022-00608-7

Publisher: Springer

Abstract: 
Background A forensic corpse site investigation with external postmortem examination prior to a forensic autopsy can provide valuable information regarding the investigation process in planning, execution, and evaluation. The frequency, scope, and type of documentation in such cases is dependent on the examiner and the forensic institution.Scientific studies of forensic corpse site investigations with external postmortem examination as well as studies aiming to standardize the documentation of such investigations have yet to be done.Material and methods For this study 3622 files from the Institute for Forensic Medicine at the Justus Liebig University in Giessen from 2005 to 2014 were examined. In 121 cases a corpse site investigation with external postmortem examination was performed and evaluated.Results The corpse site investigation including the documentation of the results were handled inconsistently during the 10-year examination period. Corpse site investigation numbers increased by around 380% comparing the first to the last year of the defined period. The ratio of homicides among all cases was 46%. Gaps in documentation were found in 63% of all cases, which significantly decreased over the course of the examination period and with the more frequent creation of separate corpse site reports. Concerning the gaps in documentation of injuries and temperature measurements at the corpse site, their occurrence fell from 89% to 11% and from 73% to 27% with a corpse site report being created. Information exclusively derivable at the corpse site was found in the form of blood trace distribution patterns (48%) and references to possible crime implements (57%).Conclusion The total number of forensic corpse site investigations with external inspection of the corpse increased from 2005 to 2014. The investigation of the corpse and the surroundings provides information that goes beyond the autopsy examination alone. It can provide a valuable basis for the classification of autopsy results and for reconstructive considerations. In order to improve the quality of corpse site investigations and the associated documentation, a standardized documentation is to be strived for.

Harvard Citation style: Haberer, B., Dettmeyer, R. and Birngruber, C. (2023) Forensic investigation of the corpse site with external examination of the corpse A retrospective analysis from the Institute for Forensic Medicine in Giessen (2005-2014), Rechtsmedizin, 33(3), pp. 188-197. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00194-022-00608-7

APA Citation style: Haberer, B., Dettmeyer, R., & Birngruber, C. (2023). Forensic investigation of the corpse site with external examination of the corpse A retrospective analysis from the Institute for Forensic Medicine in Giessen (2005-2014). Rechtsmedizin. 33(3), 188-197. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00194-022-00608-7