Minimum time since death when the body has either reached or closely approximated equilibrium with ambient temperature. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Potente, S.; Kettner, M.; Verhoff, M.A.; Ishikawa, T.
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 281(2017)
• Page Start: 63
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Death time -- Nomogram -- Time since death -- Equilibrium; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Chimie légale -- Périodiques; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; Chemistry, Forensic; Medical jurisprudence; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.09.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-0738

Abstract

Highlights: For cases with advanced cooling, a minimum time since death can be calculated with high probability. Charts, to be used as a simple graphical solution on the crime scene, are provided. One case example with detailed demonstration of method use is provided. Abstract: In temperature based death time estimation the construction of a death time interval using the conventional Nomogram method (NM) is not permissible for bodies in which rectal temperature ( T r ) has reached or closely approximated equilibrium with ambient temperature ( T a ). We provide a logic approach to compute a minimum time since death with high probability. We also provide a simple graphical solution to be used at the crime scene for preliminary estimation. Special attention is advised in regards to cases with T a > 23 °C as well as borderline cases. Proof by induction, application to test cases and one example of use are presented.