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A test for carrion fly full siblings: a tool for detecting postmortem relocation of a corpse
Christine J Picard1, Jeffrey D Wells
1Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA. cpicard@iupui.edu
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|November 23, 2011
Summary
Forensic entomology can use a new genetic test to determine if carrion fly larvae found at different locations are full siblings. This can help detect if a corpse was moved, aiding criminal investigations.
Area of Science:
- Forensic entomology
- Molecular biology
- Population genetics
Background:
- Carrion flies are crucial in forensic investigations.
- Larvae found at crime scenes can indicate time since death.
- Postmortem corpse relocation can complicate investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a genetic test for full sibship in carrion flies.
- To assess the utility of this test in detecting corpse relocation.
- To establish a reliable method for forensic entomology.
Main Methods:
- Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) profiling was used.
- Pairwise relatedness (R) coefficients were calculated for larvae.
- A likelihood ratio (LR) test was developed based on R values.
Main Results:
- The mean relative R coefficient for full siblings was 0.479, near the theoretical 0.5.
- A threshold of R >0.55 indicated a likelihood ratio (LR) >1000 for full sibship.
- The genetic test demonstrated high accuracy in distinguishing full siblings.
Conclusions:
- A genetic test for full sibship in carrion flies can effectively detect corpse relocation.
- This method enhances the reliability of forensic entomological evidence.
- The findings have significant implications for criminal investigations.
