Susquehanna Township High School

Forensic Science Class

Death Scene Investigation 2007

Death Scene Data Sheet Thursday May 22, 2007

Weather: warm and sunny

Ambient Air Temperature	82^OF
Body Surface Temperature	114^OF
Under Body Temperature	76.2^OF
Soil Temperature (4 cm depth)	85.1^OF
Maggot Mass Temperature	98.7^OF

Observations:

The Death Scene Investigation began today with observations made by the Forensic Science Class period 6/7. Hillary S. was our Crime Scene Photographer. The investigators continued the quest to determine the time of death. The students are learning to look at the Blow Flies as if they were "flying clocks". In order to determine TOD, you must know what kind of clock is at the scene (blow fly species) and how fast the clock is running (temperature).

Investigators continued collecting temperature readings from the death scene in order to determine time of death or the post-mortem interval.

Blow Fly eggs were found on the head of the deer. The eye is missing from the orbit, most likely taken by vulture or crow.

Since rigor mortis is no longer present in the deer, the broken bones and injuries are more evident, such as this broken leg.

The Blow Fly Larvae were found in the gapping wound of the hind quarter.

Temperatures are now available for the maggot mass located in the hind quarter. The maggots will generate a large amount of heat in their activities.

Investigators scramble to catch fleeing beetles that are preying on the fly larvae on and under the corpse.

Crime Scene Photos by Hillary S !

Go to Day 4 of the investigation

Back to the Susquehanna Township High School Forensic Science Class