NCJ Number
174712
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 43 Issue: 4 Dated: July 1998 Pages: 792-796
Date Published
1998
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Studies of clothed pig carcasses of approximate human size showed clothing disturbance patterns produced by postmortem insect activity mirrored those associated with a perimortem sexual assault.
Abstract
When the pigs decomposed, insect activity generated substantial clothing changes, primarily during bloated and active decay stages of decomposition. Maggot masses were observed shifting the position of clothes several centimeters over a period of minutes. The arrangement of clothing on pig carcasses changed daily from the onset of the first maggot masses through to the advanced decay stage, at which time maggots were no longer observed on pig carcasses. An important observation was the ability of maggot masses to move clothing located on the underside of the body, despite the weight of the body overlying it and direct contact with the ground. Maggots in mass also completely removed articles of clothing, particularly snug- fitting items such as socks, hose, shoes, and underwear. Pig carcass size was an important variable in the frequency and type of clothing changes observed. No significant differences in the degree of clothing displacement were observed between and shade exposed pig carcasses, although variations in the onset and timing of changes were noted, and natural decay processes produced additional clothing changes. 22 references, 1 table, and 4 figures