Estimation of Time Since Death of Bodies Above Soil Surface in A Guinea Forest-Savannah Vegetation of Nigeria Using Visible Post Mortem Changes

• DOI: 10.16965/ijar.2022.169
• Publication Date: 2022-09-05T02:34:25Z
• Authors: Darlington Nnamdi...; Victor Adolf Fischer; ; Ugochukwu Godfrey...; ; Ugochukwu Samuel ...; ; Emmanuel Nzube Ez...; ; Darlington Cyprai...; ; Somadina Nnamdi O...; ; Ifechukwu Justici...; ; Emeka Ambrose Oku...; ; Gloria Chinenye O...; ; Ambrose Echefulac...; ; Ifeoma Miracle On...
• Keywords: Wet season

Background: Forensic taphonomy is the use of decomposition timeline estimation to unravel mystery behind time death confirmation in homicide cases involving law court. The Guinea forest-savannah vegetation one vegetations Nigeria characterized by short trees, grassland, very hot temperatures almost round year, speedy wind, etc. It has two distinct seasons – rainy and dry seasons. This study aimed at investigating visible post mortem changes domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) a so that it can be used estimate since bodies on soil surface. Methods: A stratified random sampling technique was select male female matured from private pig farm located close research facility. were observed daily (morning, afternoon evening) for 49 days. Results: Four stages identified namely fresh, bloat, active decay, advanced decay stages. Mummification process started sixth day which slowed rate decomposition, prevented animals completely skeletonize within period. Extreme atmospheric temperature major factor aided mummification animals. Conclusions: Decomposition this region accelerates early hours mortem, subsequently slows down due extreme climatic conditions. In addition, takes carcasses surface more than days its vegetative factors. implies most crime investigations carried out must take into account conditions before estimating death. KEYWORDS: Crime investigation, estimation, taphonomy, Mummification, Stages Visible changes.