How reliable is the charred body scale? An interobserver reliability study on scoring burned remains

Comparison of the effectiveness and efficiency of the grid and link search methods to recover scattered skeletal remains

The grid and link search methods are used to recover scattered skeletal remains. Neither have not been compared robustly and clear guidelines for the link method have not been sufficiently developed. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of both methods and propose guidelines for the link method. The scattering patterns of two scavengers of forensic relevance-slender mongooses (Galerella sanguinea) and black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas)-were recreated using four pig skeletons (Sus scrofa domesticus). Two groups (n = 6 each) were assigned a different method to recover the scattered remains. The length of the search and when each bone was located for each scatter pattern was recorded for each group and scatter pattern. A Likert scale questionnaire assessed participants' perceptions of their assigned method. A paired t-test (p = 0.005) compared the efficiency of each method and the questionnaire answers. Both methods were effective, recovering 100% of all remains. The link method was more efficient for both scatter patterns, despite there being no statistical significance (jackal: p = 0.089; mongoose: p = 0.464). Participants indicated favorable views for both methods; however, the link method scored significantly more favorably (p = 0.01) for efficiency. Specific guidelines were developed for the use of the link method. The link method is suggested for the recovery of scattered remains in forensic contexts, especially when the scavenger, its behavior, and scattering pattern is known or suspected.

Medico-legal scene investigation in the case of burned bodies - a systematic review

A judicial on-site examination is essential for the correct analysis of a forensic case, particularly when there has been a fatal fire, as heat-related changes to bodies make identification by the forensic pathologist and other specialists difficult along with estimating the post-mortem interval and determining the precise cause and manner of death. We systematically reviewed all relevant articles dating from 2003 to 2022 in the PubMed database with a view to updating recommendations on how best to proceed. Our recommendations highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach involving various forensic specialists.

Identifying forensically relevant urban scavengers in Johannesburg, South Africa

Unidentified human remains are frequently recovered in urban environments in South Africa, which undergo forensic (medico-legal) investigations. These remains often exhibit animal scavenging modifications and are frequently scattered by animals. This impacts the collection and forensic analysis of the remains. This study aimed to identify scavenging animals present in two urban environments in Johannesburg, South Africa, and describe their scavenging and scattering behaviours. Six pig carcasses (Sus scrofa domesticus) (30-80 kg) were placed in a veldt in Johannesburg and in an abandoned building complex. Motion-activated cameras recorded the scavenging activities. Scavenger species were identified and their behaviours, scattering pattern, and scavenging bone modifications were described. Slender mongooses (Galerella sanguinea) were the most prolific veldt scavengers. They scattered remains to a maximum distance of 10.5 m in two directions: north and southeast. These mongooses scavenged during the advanced and dry decomposition stages. Gnawing on the angle of the mandible - with multiple parallel scores on the flat surfaces and the angle margin having a stepped appearance - may be a distinguishing scavenging modification feature of the slender mongoose. Hadeda ibis (Bostrychia hagedash) were the only scavengers recorded scavenging on the intestines of a pig carcass in the abandoned building complex. They favoured colonizing insects and created multiple, large holes in the skin and removed the lips to access the insects. The described scavenging behaviours will assist in the reconstruction of postmortem events in forensic cases and the location and collection of scattered remains in Southern Africa.