Class+Notes+MD

Crime Scene Chemistry Notes

Death --> Not living, no pulse, no vitals, body not functioning, no reactions / reflexes, cessation of brain activity, "saved by the bell'

Forensic Pathologist -->medical examiner or coroner 1. Cause of death 2. Time of Death 3. Toxicology Screen 4. Injuries/ Wounds --> How died 5. Identify the victim Categories of Death 1. Accidental 2. Homicide 3. Suicide 4. Undetermined 5. Natural Determines Time of Death 1. Body Temperature / liver temp 2. Setting of Blood / Discoloration 3. Potassium levels in ocular fluid ( stuff in your eye) 4. Entomology - study of insects 5. Digestion

Rigor Mortis - muscle relax then stiffen, starts within 24 hrs, finished in 36

Liver mortis - blood settling in body; starts immediately and last 12 hrs; has body been moved

Algor Mortis - Body cooling 1.0-1.5 degrees per hour....not very accurate because someone could have more cloths on or you could be outside in the freezing cold weather