NCJ Number
246840
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 59 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2014 Pages: 621-626
Date Published
May 2014
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Five pairs of mass graves, each containing carcasses of 21 rabbits, were used to examine differential decomposition at four locations within the burial: surface, deep, mid-outer, and core.
Abstract
Every 100 accumulated degree days ADD, a pair of graves was exhumed, and total body score TBS and internal carcass temperature of each rabbit were recorded. Decomposition did not differ for core- and deep-positioned carcasses p = 0.13; differences were significant p less than 0.001 for all other location comparisons. Decomposition occurred fastest in shallow carcasses, followed by mid-outer carcasses; deep and core carcasses decomposed slowest and at rates not significantly different from one another. Adipocere formation was minimal and confined to deep carcasses. Carcass location within the mass grave significantly influenced internal carcass temperature p less than 0.001; a mean internal temperature difference of ca. 1 degrees C existed between deep and shallow carcasses 30 cm apart. Effects of mass compactness and oxygenation require further investigation. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.