Temperature Modelling to aid in the forensic estimation of time since death

Speaker: Leanna Calla (MCSC)

Abstract: Temperature modelling at a crime scene is crucial for forensic investigators to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (PMI) of a cadaver. Upon death, insect species deposit eggs, and the resulting rate of development of the larvae are primarily temperature driven. By knowing the historical ambient temperature, development stage, and specific species of larva found on a cadaver, an accurate estimate can be made for the time since death. PMI cannot be calculated without accurate historical temperature. However, there is currently no method to determine the actual internal temperature of the discovery. In this talk we will discuss the current methods in place, as well as discuss a mathematical model which is motivated by physical processes to estimate the temperature profile of the cadaver.