Reliability of weathering in the estimation of the post-mortem interval of human remains buried in coffins

Abstract

Although the post-mortem interval (PMI) is essential in forensic sciences, dating skeletonized remains is a complex task for forensic scientists, not only because of the lack of reliable methods that currently exist for its estimation but also due to the variability of the cadaveric decomposition process, which involves a series of factors. Weathering and breakdown of remains progresses with time, from cracking to loss of shape, and is accepted to occur in observable stages. When dealing with buried remains, these processes will take longer because many of the most destructive agents will be shut out. Burial represents a unique environment which has not been examined often. This study analysed bone weathering (weight loss, grease, degradation, fractures and flaking) of the atlas, axis, humerus, femur and first metatarsal of 86 individuals recovered from a Portuguese cemetery plot. Sex, age-at-death, burial period and storage period were taken into account, but several problems may have affected the outcome of the study. However, PMI estimation based on weathering is not reliable, confirming that burial contexts create distinct micro-taphonomic environments.

Keywords:

• Forensic anthropology
• weathering
• skeletonization
• post-mortem interval
• taphonomy

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Lee Kimber.