Can autopsy tell time of death?
Autopsy as a Method of Estimating Time of Death
Autopsy, or the post-mortem examination of a body, is commonly used by forensic professionals to help establish the time of death. Through the careful examination of the various tissues, fluids, and organs, medical examiners are able to assess the degree of decomposition and putrefaction that have occurred, allowing them to estimate how long the person has been deceased.
Rigor Mortis is the term used to describe the stiffness that sets into a body after death. This stiffness occurs due to the muscles and ligaments in the body becoming rigid, and can be used to help determine how long the person has been deceased. The process of rigor mortis starts within two to three hours after death and can last for up to 72 hours.
Livor Mortis is the term for the settling of blood in the body after death. This pooling of blood happens due to gravity, and can be used to estimate the time of death. Livor mortis typically starts to set in within 20 minutes of death and can last for up to 24 hours.
Decomposition is the process by which the body breaks down and begins to decay. It is the most reliable way to estimate the time of death. Through careful examination of the various tissues, fluids, and organs, medical examiners are able to assess the degree of decomposition that has occurred, allowing them to estimate how long the person has been deceased.
