Forensic pathology is a forensic science field involving applying pathological methods in investigating circumstances of sudden, suspicious, or unexplained deaths, particularly those involved in legal investigations.
A pathological investigation begins with an autopsy on the dead body. The examination of a body after death is also known as the post-mortem. Usually conducted by a forensic pathologist, also known as coroners, examines bodies to determine the cause of death and events surrounding the cause and looks for evidence that can be used in trials.
Forensic pathologists examine the interior and exterior of the Cadaver, noting any possible incisions, bruising, etc., that may suggest causes for the individual’s death. They will also collect samples from organs and other body tissue to be sent to pathology for further testing to ascertain the manner of death, whether it be homicidal, suicidal, accidental, natural, or undetermined. Homicidal and suicidal deaths will typically then lead to further inquiry.
The proximate cause of death is the primary injury that led to the sequence of events causing death. In contrast, the immediate cause of death is the injury or disease finally killing the victim. For example, a gunshot may be the proximate cause of death, whereas exsanguination (loss of blood) may be the immediate cause of death following this.
What do Forensic Pathologists Do:
- Conduct autopsies and post-mortem examinations of bodies. The main job of a forensic pathologist is to determine the cause of death based on an autopsy and post-mortem examination of a body. They need to determine whether the person died from a bullet wound, stab wound, strangulation, stroke, cardiac arrest, disease, poisoning, etc.
- Determine the circumstances surrounding the person’s death. Besides determining the cause of death, forensic pathologists also seek to reconstruct the circumstances surrounding the person’s death. They need to determine whether death occurred naturally or was homicide, accident, or suicide. In rare cases, the manner of death may be undetermined.
- Collect evidence that can be used on trial. While performing an autopsy and examining a body, forensic pathologists also look for and record evidence that can be used as proof in an eventual trial. Examples include wounds, injuries, presence of toxins in tissues or/and bodily fluids, defensive marks, etc.
- Identification of a body. Forensic pathologists are often asked to confirm the identification of a body or gather the information that helps determine the identification of the deceased such as taking a DNA sample or/and fingerprints.
- Investigation of sudden and unexpected deaths. Forensic pathologists may also be asked to investigate sudden and unexpected deaths to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the person’s death (natural, homicide, suicide, etc.).
- Witness as an expert in court. Forensic pathologists provide evidence for legal procedures and are usually called for expert witnesses in court trials to testify about their findings.
Process of Autopsy:
1. The External Examination: Documenting the external appearance of the corpse is the first step before any incisions. Notes, Photographs, and X-rays must be recorded to discern abnormalities present on the dead body. In addition, x-ray spectrometry may reveal any information about trace evidence on the body, i.e., gunpowder residue in a shooting case.
Particular attention is paid to the shoulder, chest, legs, fingers, and face for any marks of violence such as cuts, abrasions, bruising, odor, or distinguishing marks or tattoos, clothes, and other wearables that can help identify the individuals. For example, bruising around the neck can provide clues for diagnostic purposes, i.e., the individual died through strangulation.
Blood and vitreous fluid (from both eyes) are often extracted, revealing information about the cause of death from toxicology reports, i.e., drug or alcohol-related deaths and the individual’s diabetes status. In addition, examining lividity and rigor mortis at the joints is vital in determining the time since death and the body’s position at demise.
Apart from the main exterior areas of the Cadaver, DNA from under the nails, genitalia, and other orifices are examined regarding any sexual trauma perhaps caused as contributing to the individual’s cause of death, along with providing clues that can be crucial in court.
2. Internal Examination
- Y-incision: The autopsy begins with a Y-shaped incision from both shoulders, joining over the sternum and continuing down to the pubic bone. This incision is very deep and extends to the ribcage and the abdominal wall.
- Removal of Ribs: Following the Y-incision, the skin and underlying tissues are moved aside, and the front of the rib cage is removed to expose the organs using large, heavy-duty pliers or a bone saw that is used to break and remove the ribs and the sternal plate completely, to allow for better access to the organs.
- Organ Examination: Each of these organs is removed and examined as necessary. The organs are then carefully weighed and the exterior of the organs inspected, and any abnormalities are noted. These examinations reveal any diseases the individual experienced that may have led to their death or alcohol/drug abuse. Then organs are incised, and tissue samples from the organs are collected and sent to pathology for further analysis.
- Removal of Brain: Next, an incision is made in the back of the skull from ear to ear, and the skin is peeled back. Finally, the top of the skull is removed using a vibrating saw, allowing the entire brain to be removed. The brain is first examined in situ for any signs of degenerative diseases that may have contributed to the cause of death. This is then compared to any provided medical records.
3. “Cleaning Up” the Cadaver
- Once the examination is concluded, these organs are stored in “hermetically-sealed” plastic bags to prevent contaminations and slow down the decomposition rate and then placed back into the body cavity.
- Next, the pathologist will aim to ascertain the manner of death, whether it be homicidal, suicidal, accidental, natural, or undetermined. Homicidal and suicidal deaths will typically then lead to further inquiry.
