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Diatoms and homicide

¹Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario, Toronto, Canada.

Forensic Science International

|March 11, 1998

Summary

The diatom test aids in homicidal drowning investigations by identifying microscopic algae in bone marrow. This forensic method confirms drowning, even when bodies are found on land or show other injuries.

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Area of Science:

Forensic pathology
Toxicology
Microbiology

Background:

Medicolegal death investigation requires accurate cause of death determination.
Homicidal drowning presents unique challenges, especially when scene or autopsy findings are ambiguous.
The diatom test is a valuable tool for confirming drowning.

Observation:

Diatom frustules were recovered from femoral bone marrow in all six homicidal drowning cases.
Diatom types in bone marrow matched those in suspected drowning media in five cases.
Maxillary sinus fluid also contained matching diatom types in one case.

Findings:

The diatom test proved useful in identifying drowning as the cause of death.
Diatoms were detected even in cases with bodies found on land (decomposed or burned).
Drowning was associated with other injuries, including blunt force, sharp force, and strangulation.

Implications:

The diatom test is a critical adjunct in medicolegal investigations of homicidal drowning.
It is particularly important in cases where drowning is not immediately apparent from autopsy or scene evidence.
This method enhances the accuracy of death investigations, especially in complex scenarios.

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