Here is that rare thing, a good popular book on forensic entomology that is also an illuminating read on forensic science itself and on the art of being an expert witness. Zakaria Erzinçlioglu (a.k.a. Dr Zak), a forensic entomologist for more than 20 years, covers not only the wonderful world of insects as a tool in forensic investigations, but also the Tertiary geological period, O'nyong-nyong disease, Napoleon Bonaparte, human behaviour, maggot therapy and Sherlock Holmes.
Read MoreForensic Entomology Distinction of bloodstains from fly artifacts
Forensic scientists may encounter blood spatter at a scene which may be pure or a mixture of fly artifacts and human bloodstains. It is important to be able to make an informed identification, or at least advanced documentation of such stains since the mechanics of production of fly artifacts are not determinable to the crime scene reconstructionist from regular police forces. We describe three cases in which experiments and crime scene reconstruction led to additional information. Case 1: Above the position of a victim, numerous blood stains of the low-high velocity type were found. Exclusion of these stains being caused by force (but instead caused by the activity of adult blow flies) by use of the following observations that were confirmed in experiments: a) Sperm-/tadpole-like structure with length > width, b) random directionality c) mixture of round symmetrical and teardrop shaped stains. Case 2: A reddish spatter field was found on a fan chain two rooms away from the place where a dead woman was found. Localization of the spatter on the bottom end of the surface hinted strongly towards fly activity. Case 3: Double homicide; submillimeter stains were found on a lamp between the two corpses. Activity of flies was less likely compared to alternative scenario of moving lampshade and violent stabbing.
Read MoreWhat is the edge of a forest (EAFE)
We tried to experimentally address a "simple" question that came up during a homicide trial in Aachen, Germany. Some dead adult flies of the genus Bradysia (Sciaridae) had been recovered from a corpse that was found on grassland close to a forest. Bradysia is known to live on the borders of forests. Relating to this expert witness statement, defense and prosecution asked: "Alright, but what is an edge of a forest?"
Read MoreChild neglect and forensic entomology
Source: Forensic Science International 120:155-159
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Mark Benecke & Rüdiger Lessig
Abstract
Close co-operation between forensic scientists, medico-legal doctors, and police forces made it possible to estimate not only the post-mortem interval but also the time since a child was neglected. On the skin surface under the diaper (anal-genital area), third instar larvae of the false stable fly Muscina stabulans FALLÉN, and the lesser house fly Fannia canicularis L. were found. F. canicularis adults are attracted to both feces and urine. From the face, larvae of the bluebottle fly Calliphora vomitoria L. were collected. C. vomitoria maggots are typical early inhabitants of corpses. From the developmental times of the flies, it was estimated that the anal-genital area of the child had not been cleaned for about 14 days (7–21 day range), and that death occurred only 6–8 days prior to discovery of the body. This is the first report where an examination of the maggot fauna on a person illustrated neglect that had occurred prior to death.
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Five cases of forensic short tandem repeat DNA typing
In medicolegal samples DNA is often broken into fragments. In many cases, only the amplification of short tandem repeated DNA stretches (STRs), which are located in noncoding regions, allows DNA typing of such degraded materials
Read More2008-05: Meeting of the Elders of The Transylvanian Society of Dracula (TSD)
Unlike former venues (that for now 15 years had taken place in Transylvania -- beautiful: see e.g. Chronicles Issue 27, p. 32--41), this year’s meeting was held in the pittoresque yet very spooky rooms of the Institute for Folklore (Institutul de Etnografie şi Folclor “Constantin Brăiloiu”) in Bucharest, i.e., in Valachia. This location is not too far-fetched since Vald the Impaler of course ruled in Valachia, and not in Transylvania.
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