Skip to main content

Russia. A man was found dead in the back of a truck. The man had gunshot wound on his face. The incident appears to be a homicide. The forensic investigation of homicide involves applying scientific methods to determine the cause, manner, and circumstances of death. It starts with securing the crime scene to preserve evidence, followed by a thorough examination of the area for physical clues like bloodstains, weapons, and trace evidence (e.g., hair, fibers). Crime scene reconstruction can help establish the sequence of events.

Fig.1 The body of the man in the back of the truck.

The victim’s body undergoes a forensic autopsy, which determines the cause of death (e.g., gunshot, stabbing, asphyxiation) and the manner of death (e.g., homicide, suicide, accident). Pathologists analyze injuries, toxicology reports, and time of death indicators like rigor mortis and livor mortis. DNA analysis, fingerprinting, and ballistics play critical roles in identifying suspects and linking them to the crime. Blood spatter analysis helps understand weapon use, force, and positioning of individuals. Forensic entomology may estimate the time of death using insect activity.

Fig.2 The man had gunshot wound on his face.

Digital forensics, such as analyzing phones or computers, can reveal motives, alibis, or premeditation. Investigators also rely on witness interviews and psychological profiling to build a case. Each piece of evidence must meet rigorous legal standards to ensure admissibility in court, underscoring the meticulous nature of forensic work in homicide cases.

Latest posts

Fig.1 Note that the eyes are intact whilst the lower part of the body is partially decayed due to influence of faces and urine/bacteria. Upper part of body mummified (dried out).

An elderly woman was found dead

| Accident, Decomposition | No Comments
An elderly woman was found dead in October 2002 in her third floor apartment in urban Cologne, Germany.…
Fig.1 Self-stabbing of the throat in an elderly woman.

Self-stabbing of the throat in an elderly woman

| Suicide | No Comments
Whether the death is accidental, suicidal, or homicidal is one of the main questions asked of the forensic…
Fig.1 Postmortem predation by mice.

Postmortem predation by mice

| Animal Scavenging | No Comments
Postmortem animal interference of human corpses or remains is a well known phenomenon to forensic death investigators, the…
Fig.1 Fatal injuries after falling on an escalator.

Fatal injuries after falling on an escalator

| Accident | No Comments
This woman has fatal injuries after falling on an escalator. Linear lacerations and abrasions are clearly consistent with…