Post Mortem Signs
Post mortem signs are clues that can help determine the time of death. These signs can include physical changes in the body, changes in the environment, and evidence of decomposition. The four most common post mortem signs are livor mortis, algor mortis, rigor mortis, and decomposition.
Livor Mortis
Livor mortis is the pooling of blood in the lowest parts of the body due to gravity. This pooling of blood begins immediately after death and is usually visible within 15 minutes. It can be used to estimate the time of death if the body is found soon after death.
Algor Mortis
Algor mortis is the cooling of the body after death. This cooling occurs at a predictable and measurable rate and can be used to estimate the time of death.
Rigor Mortis
Rigor mortis is the stiffening of the body after death. This stiffening begins within 2-4 hours after death and can be used to estimate the time of death.
Decomposition
Decomposition is the breakdown of the body due to the action of bacteria and other organisms. This breakdown begins soon after death and is an important indicator of the time of death.
Post mortem signs can be used to estimate the time of death in death investigations. The four most common post mortem signs are livor mortis, algor mortis, rigor mortis, and decomposition. These signs can help investigators determine when a person died and provide important clues for criminal investigations.