Human Decomposition and Time Since Death: Persistent Challenges and Future Directions of Postmortem Interval...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Biological Anthropology
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) is crucial in forensic anthropology.
• Current medicolegal practices lack PMI estimation methods with known error rates.
• Forensic anthropology's role in PMI estimation evolved from biological anthropology.

Purpose of the Study:

• Critically examine the current state of postmortem interval estimation in forensic anthropology.
• Review the history and evolution of PMI estimation expertise in the field.
• Identify barriers and propose solutions for advancing PMI estimation methods.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of human decomposition literature from 1993-2023.
• Analysis of prevailing quantitative biomarker and macromorphoscopic observation methods.
• Historical overview of forensic anthropology's contribution to PMI estimation.

Main Results:

• Two primary approaches for PMI estimation are quantitative biomarkers and macromorphoscopic observations.
• PMI research is hindered by small, variable samples and non-standardized decomposition definitions.
• Lack of standardization impedes replicability and methodological advancement.

Conclusions:

• Open Science principles (data sharing, transparency) are vital for forensic anthropologists.
• Integrating geospatial data and advanced modeling can improve PMI estimation.
• Enhanced research design is necessary for reliable PMI estimates in medicolegal contexts.