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Individualised and non-contact post-mortem interval determination of human bodies using visible and thermal 3D imaging

Author

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  • Leah S. Wilk

    (University of Amsterdam
    University of Amsterdam)

  • Gerda J. Edelman

    (Netherlands Forensic Institute, Divisie Bijzondere Dienstverlening en Expertise)

  • Martin Roos

    (Netherlands Forensic Institute, Divisie Bijzondere Dienstverlening en Expertise)

  • Mara Clerkx

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • Inge Dijkman

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • Jordi Vera Melgar

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • Roelof-Jan Oostra

    (University of Amsterdam
    University of Amsterdam)

  • Maurice C. G. Aalders

    (University of Amsterdam
    University of Amsterdam)

Abstract

Determining the time since death, i.e., post-mortem interval (PMI), often plays a key role in forensic investigations. The current standard PMI-estimation method empirically correlates rectal temperatures and PMIs, frequently necessitating subjective correction factors. To overcome this, we previously developed a thermodynamic finite-difference (TFD) algorithm, providing a rigorous method to simulate post-mortem temperatures of bodies assuming a straight posture. However, in forensic practice, bodies are often found in non-straight postures, potentially limiting applicability of this algorithm in these cases. Here, we develop an individualised approach, enabling PMI reconstruction for bodies in arbitrary postures, by combining photogrammetry and TFD modelling. Utilising thermal photogrammetry, this approach also represents the first non-contact method for PMI reconstruction. The performed lab and crime scene validations reveal PMI reconstruction accuracies of 0.26 h ± 1.38 h for true PMIs between 2 h and 35 h and total procedural durations of ~15 min. Together, these findings broaden the potential applicability of TFD-based PMI reconstruction.

Suggested Citation

  • Leah S. Wilk & Gerda J. Edelman & Martin Roos & Mara Clerkx & Inge Dijkman & Jordi Vera Melgar & Roelof-Jan Oostra & Maurice C. G. Aalders, 2021. "Individualised and non-contact post-mortem interval determination of human bodies using visible and thermal 3D imaging," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-26318-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26318-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pedro G. Ferreira & Manuel Muñoz-Aguirre & Ferran Reverter & Caio P. Sá Godinho & Abel Sousa & Alicia Amadoz & Reza Sodaei & Marta R. Hidalgo & Dmitri Pervouchine & Jose Carbonell-Caballero & Ramil Nu, 2018. "The effects of death and post-mortem cold ischemia on human tissue transcriptomes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-15, December.
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