While a post-mortem, or autopsy, can provide valuable information about the cause and manner of death, it cannot definitively determine the exact time of death.
The time of death is typically estimated using various factors, including:
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Rigor mortis: The stiffening of muscles after death. This process begins shortly after death and peaks around 12 hours, gradually subsiding over the next 24-36 hours.
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Livor mortis: The pooling of blood in the lower parts of the body due to gravity. This occurs within a few hours after death and can help determine the body's position at the time of death.
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Algor mortis: The cooling of the body after death. The body loses heat at a predictable rate, which can be used to estimate the time of death, especially in the first few hours.
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Witness statements: Eyewitness accounts can provide valuable information about when the deceased was last seen alive.
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Stomach contents: The contents of the stomach can indicate the time of the last meal, which can be helpful in estimating the time of death.
However, these methods are not always accurate and can be influenced by factors such as environmental temperature, clothing, and individual variations.
A post-mortem can help determine the cause of death, but it cannot definitively determine the time of death without additional evidence.
