Solving Crimes by Using Forensic Entomology Dr
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Use of Insect Evidence in Criminal Investigations
Pakistan Journal of Criminology Vol. 9, Issue 4, October 2017 (1-11) Use of Insect Evidence in Criminal Investigations: Developing a Framework for Strengthening of the Justice System Farrah Zaidi Abstract Forensic entomology is the utility of arthropods/ insects in legal investigations. Insects are an important component of cadavers feeding on the nutrient rich resource provided to them by nature. In doing so they are performing the important ecological service of decomposition. Blow flies are among the first insects arriving at the body and laying their eggs. The larvae that hatch out of the eggs are necrophagous i.e. they feed on flesh. The flies pupate in soil/dirt beneath the body. The development time of flies is specific for instance 9-10 days for oriental latrine fly. This time period allows the entomologists to calculate the time of death roughly corresponding with the time of egg laying. Besides estimating the time of death, forensic entomology in some cases can also determine child neglect, drug use prior to death and identifying potential assailants. In order to strengthen our justice system training workshops in the discipline should be made mandatory for the law enforcement agencies. A frame work should be developed to gradually incorporate the discipline in the legal system. For this purpose the science should be given its due share in the curricula of institutes of higher education and collaborative efforts must be taken to educate the current and future law enforcement professionals. Key Words: Forensic entomology, blow flies, Pakistan, time of death 1. Introduction Forensic entomology describes utility of insects and other arthropods in legal matters, especially in a court of law (Catts and Goff 1992). -
Str Analysis of Human Dna from Maggots Fed on Decomposing Bodies: Assessment on the Time Period for Successful Analysis
STR ANALYSIS OF HUMAN DNA FROM MAGGOTS FED ON DECOMPOSING BODIES: ASSESSMENT ON THE TIME PERIOD FOR SUCCESSFUL ANALYSIS M.Sc. Thesis By: Njau Daniel Gachuiri Reg. No. H56/65991/2010 Department of Biochemistry A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Masters degree of Science in Biochemistry Department of Biochemistry School of Medicine, College of Health Science University of Nairobi September 2013 DECLARATION This is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in any other university. Mr. Njau Daniel Gachuiri, BSc. Biochemistry (UON). Department of Biochemistry University of Nairobi Signature: …………………………………….Date: …………………………………….. This Thesis has been submitted with our approval as university supervisors Dr. E. K. Muge Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi Signature……………………………………...Date:…………………………………….. Ms Sophie Mukwana Biotech Forensics Signature...........................................................Date: ……………………………………. Prof. C. O. A. Omwandho Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi Signature……………………………………..Date: ……………………………………. Prof. P.W. Kinyanjui Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi Signature……………………………………..Date: …………………………………….. i Chairman Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi Signature……………………………………...Date: …………………………………….. ii DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated to my family members and friends who provided me with moral and financial support throughout my studies. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I am very grateful to the following individuals and organizations that contributed towards successful completion of this research work. First and foremost, I would like to thank God for His wisdom and guidance throughout my life and studies. I express my sincere gratitude to my supervisors Ms Sophie Mukwana (Biotech Forensics- Kenya) and Dr. E. K. Muge, Prof. C. O. A. Omwandho and Prof. P.W. Kinyanjui (Department of Biochemistry-University of Nairobi) for their patience, guidance, suggestions, encouragement, support and excellent advice through the course of this study. -
Enhancing Forensic Entomology Applications: Identification and Ecology
Enhancing forensic entomology applications: identification and ecology A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Faculty of Arts and Science TRENT UNIVERSITY Peterborough, Ontario, Canada © Copyright by Sarah Victoria Louise Langer 2017 Environmental and Life Sciences M.Sc. Graduate Program September 2017 ABSTRACT Enhancing forensic entomology applications: identification and ecology Sarah Victoria Louise Langer The purpose of this thesis is to enhance forensic entomology applications through identifications and ecological research with samples collected in collaboration with the OPP and RCMP across Canada. For this, we focus on blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and present data collected from 2011-2013 from different terrestrial habitats to analyze morphology and species composition. Specifically, these data were used to: 1) enhance and simplify morphological identifications of two commonly caught forensically relevant species; Phormia regina and Protophormia terraenovae, using their frons-width to head- width ratio as an additional identifying feature where we found distinct measurements between species, and 2) to assess habitat specificity for urban and rural landscapes, and the scale of influence on species composition when comparing urban and rural habitats across all locations surveyed where we found an effect of urban habitat on blow fly species composition. These data help refine current forensic entomology applications by adding to the growing knowledge of distinguishing morphological features, and our understanding of habitat use by Canada’s blow fly species which may be used by other researchers or forensic practitioners. Keywords: Calliphoridae, Canada, Forensic Science, Morphology, Cytochrome Oxidase I, Distribution, Urban, Ecology, Entomology, Forensic Entomology ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS “Blow flies are among the most familiar of insects. -
Diptera: Calliphoridae)
DIRECT INJURY,MYIASIS,FORENSICS Effects of Temperature and Tissue Type on the Development of Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae) 1 1,2 STACY A. BOATRIGHT AND JEFFERY K. TOMBERLIN J. Med. Entomol. 47(5): 917Ð923 (2010); DOI: 10.1603/ME09206 ABSTRACT The secondary screwworm, Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius), was reared on either equine gluteus muscle or porcine loin muscle at 20.8ЊC, 24.3ЊC, and 28.2ЊC. C. macellaria needed Ϸ35% more time to complete development when reared at 20.8 than 28.2ЊC. Furthermore, larval growth and weight over time did not differ between larvae reared on equine versus porcine muscle. This study is the second in the United States to examine the development of C. macellaria and is the Þrst to examine development of this species on muscle tissue from different vertebrate species. These data could provide signiÞcant information regarding time of colonization, including myiasis and neglect cases involving humans and animals. Furthermore, these results in comparison with the only other data set available for this species in North America indicate a fair amount of phenotypic variability as it relates to geographic location, suggesting caution should be taken when applying these data to forensic cases outside the region where this study was conducted. KEY WORDS secondary screwworm, forensic entomology, forensic veterinary medicine, myiasis Forensic entomology is the utilization of insects and though similar development times have been docu- other arthropods as evidence in both civil and criminal mented in pre-existing data sets for a variety of blow investigations (Williams and Villet 2006). The broad ßy species, some variations can be found within spe- scope of this Þeld can be broken down into three cies (Tarone and Foran 2006, Gallagher et al. -
Post-Mortem Interval Estimation Based on Insect Evidence in a Quasi
Science & Justice 59 (2019) 109–115 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Science & Justice journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/scijus Case review Post-mortem interval estimation based on insect evidence in a quasi-indoor habitat T ⁎ Szymon Matuszewskia,b, , Anna Mądra-Bielewicza,b a Laboratory of Criminalistics, Adam Mickiewicz University, Święty Marcin 90, 61-809 Poznań, Poland b Wielkopolska Centre for Advanced Technologies, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89C, 61-614 Poznań, Poland ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: Insects collected on indoor cadavers are frequently used for post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation. Buildings Forensic entomology encountered during crime investigations vary according to temperatures inside, the extent of insect access re- Stearibia striction or sanitary conditions. This article reports the PMI oriented analyses of insect evidence sampled from Sarcophaga the human cadaver in the atypical indoor habitat. The body was found in the uninhabited house, on the floor Nasonia covered with rubbish, in the room with no doors and windows. Thermal conditions in the room were less Necrodes variable than in the local weather station, however still much more variable compared to the typical indoor Protophormia habitat, indicating the need for retrospective correction of temperature records from the station. Cadaver en- tomofauna was surprisingly diverse and abundant. We recorded several taxa usually not occurring on indoor cadavers, e.g. immature stages of Necrodes littoralis (Coleoptera: Silphidae) or Stearibia nigriceps (Diptera: Piophilidae). PMI was based on the age and the pre-appearance interval estimated for live puparium of S. nigriceps, giving the total interval of 37 ( ± 7.4) days plus 4–20 days resulting from the absence of first colonizing specimens of the species. -
Insect Timing and Succession on Buried Carrion in East Lansing, Michigan
INSECT TIMING AND SUCCESSION ON BURIED CARRION IN EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN By Emily Christine Pastula A THESIS Submitted to Michigan State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTERS OF SCIENCE Entomology 2012 ABSTRACT INSECT TIMING AND SUCCESSION ON BURIED CARRION IN EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN By Emily Christine Pastula This study examined pig carcasses buried at two different depths, 30 and 60 cm, to determine if insects are able to colonize buried carcasses, when they arrive at each depth, and what fauna are present over seven sampling dates to establish an insect succession database on buried carrion in East Lansing, Michigan. Thirty-eight pigs were buried, 18 at 30 cm and 20 at 60 cm. Four control carcasses were placed on the soil surface. Three replicates at each depth were exhumed after 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, 30 days, and 60 days. One pig was also exhumed from 60 cm after 90 days and another after 120 days. Sarcophaga bullata (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) and Hydrotaea sp. (Diptera: Muscidae) were found colonizing buried carrion 5 days after burial at 30 cm. Insect succession at 30 cm proceeded with flesh and muscid flies being the first to colonize, followed by blow flies. Insects were able to colonize carcasses at 60 cm and Hydrotaea sp. and Megaselia scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae), were collected 7 days after burial. Insect succession at 60 cm did not proceed similarly as predicted, instead muscid and coffin flies were the only larvae collected. Overall these results reveal post-burial interval (PBI) estimates for forensic investigations in mid-Michigan during the summer, depending on climatic and soil conditions. -
Forensic Entomology: the Use of Insects in the Investigation of Homicide and Untimely Death Q
If you have issues viewing or accessing this file contact us at NCJRS.gov. Winter 1989 41 Forensic Entomology: The Use of Insects in the Investigation of Homicide and Untimely Death by Wayne D. Lord, Ph.D. and William C. Rodriguez, Ill, Ph.D. reportedly been living in and frequenting the area for several Editor’s Note weeks. The young lady had been reported missing by her brother approximately four days prior to discovery of her Special Agent Lord is body. currently assigned to the An investigation conducted by federal, state and local Hartford, Connecticut Resident authorities revealed that she had last been seen alive on the Agency ofthe FBi’s New Haven morning of May 31, 1984, in the company of a 30-year-old Division. A graduate of the army sergeant, who became the primary suspect. While Univercities of Delaware and considerable circumstantial evidence supported the evidence New Hampshin?, Mr Lordhas that the victim had been murdered by the sergeant, an degrees in biology, earned accurate estimation of the victim’s time of death was crucial entomology and zoology. He to establishing a link between the suspect and the victim formerly served in the United at the time of her demise. States Air Force at the Walter Several estimates of postmortem interval were offered by Army Medical Center in Reed medical examiners and investigators. These estimates, Washington, D.C., and tire F however, were based largely on the physical appearance of Edward Hebert School of the body and the extent to which decompositional changes Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland. had occurred in various organs, and were not based on any Rodriguez currently Dr. -
Insects in Production – an Introduction Ljubinka Francuski & Leo W
University of Groningen Insects in production Francuski, Ljubinka; Beukeboom, Leo W. Published in: Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata DOI: 10.1111/eea.12935 IMPORTANT NOTE: You are advised to consult the publisher's version (publisher's PDF) if you wish to cite from it. Please check the document version below. Document Version Version created as part of publication process; publisher's layout; not normally made publicly available Publication date: 2020 Link to publication in University of Groningen/UMCG research database Citation for published version (APA): Francuski, L., & Beukeboom, L. W. (2020). Insects in production: An introduction. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 168(6-7), 422-431. https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.12935 Copyright Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download or to forward/distribute the text or part of it without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license (like Creative Commons). The publication may also be distributed here under the terms of Article 25fa of the Dutch Copyright Act, indicated by the “Taverne” license. More information can be found on the University of Groningen website: https://www.rug.nl/library/open-access/self-archiving-pure/taverne- amendment. Take-down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. Downloaded from the University of Groningen/UMCG research database (Pure): http://www.rug.nl/research/portal. For technical reasons the number of authors shown on this cover page is limited to 10 maximum. -
Severe Post Mortem Damages by Ants on a Human Corpse
Rom J Leg Med [27] 269-271 [2019] DOI: 10.4323/rjlm.2019.269 © 2019 Romanian Society of Legal Medicine FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY Severe post mortem damages by ants on a human corpse Teresa Bonacci1, Mark Benecke2,*, Chiara Scapoli3, Vannio Vercillo4^, Marco Pezzi3^ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Abstract: Ants are known to colonize corpses during all stages of decomposition. Since they are also known to predate necrophagous insects, they may affect forensic investigations not only because of possible misinterpretations of skin lesions but also because of removal of dipteran and coleopteran colonizers. We report a case of skin damages on a human corpse found in late spring in a suburban area of Cosenza (Region Calabria, Southern Italy) caused by activity of Tapinoma nigerrimum (Nylander) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). During external examination on site and autopsy, numerous ants were observed feeding on the body but no other insect species was found. We discuss the appearance of skin lesions, the possible role of T. nigerrimum in interfering with colonization by necrophagous insects and its consequences on forensic investigations. Key Words: ants, necrophagous insects, post-mortem skin lesions, Tapinoma nigerrimum. INTRODUCTION resulting in skin lesions and possible interference with the activity of other necrophagous insects. Colonization and feeding on corpses by insects is relevant in forensic investigations to assess the Post- CASE REPORT Mortem Interval (PMI) [1,2]. Diptera belonging to the family Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae are known to A 48-year-old man was found dead in a suburban be the first to colonize corpses and the feeding larvae area of the city of Cosenza (Region Calabria, Southern may speed up the process of decay [3,4]. -
Application of Entomology in Forensic Sciences
DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.16969/teb.90382 Türk. entomol. bült., 2016, 6(3): 269-275 ISSN 2146-975X Review (Derleme) Application of entomology in forensic sciences Adli bilimlerde entomolojinin uygulanması Meltem KÖKDENER1* Summary Forensic entomology is the use of the insects in legal purposes is becoming increasingly more valuable in criminal investigations. Insects are attracted to the body immediately after death and lay eggs in it. Forensic entomologist use knowledge of insect to solve crimes and insect evidences may shed light on different aspects of the crimes. This science emerged as a major discipline in the developed countries and its role in criminal investigations became more widespread. Nowadays, forensic entomologists are called upon more frequently to refer their knowledge and expertise and to collaborate in criminal investigations and to become important part of forensic investigation teams. Unfortunately, it has not received much attention in Turkey as an important investigative tool. In spite of this major potential, however, the field of forensic entomology uncertain in our country, largely. There are lack of knowledge of the benefits, application and hesitation on practically in our country. This study aims to describe the principles and concept of forensic entomology, to determine the usefulness and applicability of insect evidence, to develop awareness of insect and to attract attention of forensic medicine professionals to the issue. Key words: Forensic entomology, decomposition, postmortem interval, arthropods Özet Böceklerin adli amaç için kullanımı olan adli entomoloji olay yeri incelemelerinde oldukça artan bir öneme sahiptir. Böcekler ölümden sonra cesede hemen ulaşırlar ve yumurtlarlar. Adli entomolog suçları çözmek için böcek bilgisini kullanır ve böcek delilleri suçun farklı yönlerine ışık tutabilirler. -
Lucilia Sericata Common Green Bottle Fly Birds, We Are in the Process of Developing a Flying Insects Present on the MVC Campus, As Well Using Distilled Water
Analysis of Cliff Swallow’s Diet via DNA Barcoding and Bioinformatics James Corbitt, Rebecca Bednorz, and Joanna Werner-Fraczek Moreno Valley College, CA Abstract Materials & Method Results Discussion Moreno Valley College (MVC) is a seasonal home to During the 2016 season, four Cliff Swallows were Insects identified by DNA Barcoding The presented data represents a narrow view on migratory birds, Cliff Swallows (Petrochelidon found dead. Through dissection and light microscopy, Taxonomic name Common name swallows’ diet since the dead birds were found pyrrhonota), that build their nests on campus the buccal cavity, esophagus, and stomach were Empoasca vitis Leafhopper within two weeks. This does not indicate the buildings. Cliff swallows are insectivores that inspected for any insect remains. For a thorough Sciaridae Darked winged fungus gnats possible season fluctuation in the diet because of consume thousands of insects a day. The analysis of analysis, the stomach was removed and all contents Sciaridae Darked winged fungus gnats different insects being available at different times. the swallow's diet considering their predatory nature were examined under the microscope. To further Mycetophilidae Fungus gnats More studies are needed. will help to assess the role of swallows as natural separate and clean the different pieces of insects for Agrotis subterranea Granulate cutworm regulators of the insect population. This study report a more accurate DNA sequence, the pieces for DNA Harpalus honestus Ground beetle In order to move away from depending on dead on insect species found in the stomach of swallows, isolation were placed on a paper towel then filtered Lucilia sericata Common green bottle fly birds, we are in the process of developing a flying insects present on the MVC campus, as well using distilled water. -
Forensic Entomology
Forensic Entomology Definition: Forensic Entomology is the application of the study of insects and other arthropods to legal issues. It is divided into three areas: 1) urban, 2) stored products, and 3) medico-legal. It is the medico-legal area that receives the most attention (and is the most interesting). In the medico-legal field insects have been used to 1) locate bodies or body parts, 2) estimate the time of death or postmortem interval (PMI), 3) determine the cause of death, 4) determine whether the body has been moved after death, 5) identify a criminal suspect, and 6) identify the geographic origin of contraband. In this lecture we will discuss the kind of entomological data collected in forensic cases and how these data are used as evidence in criminal proceedings. Case studies will be used to illustrate the use of entomological data. Evidence Used in Forensic Entomology • Presence of suspicious insects in the environment or on a criminal suspect. Adults of carrion-feeding insects are usually found in a restricted set of habitats: 1) around adult feeding sites (i.e., flowers), or 2) around oviposition sites (i.e., carrion). Insects, insect body parts or insect bites on criminal suspects can be used to place them at scene of a crime or elsewhere. • Developmental stages of insects at crime scene. Detailed information on the developmental stages of insects on a corpse can be used to estimate the time of colonization. • Succession of insect species at the crime scene. Different insect species arrive at corpses at different times in the decompositional process.