Estimation of PMI for human remains wrapped in a blanket, with first report of Puliciphora rufipes (Phoridae) and Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Muscidae) outdoors in SE Spain

• Published in: Legal Medicine
• Main Author: Ivorra T.; Martínez-Sánchez A.; Velásquez Y.; Disney R.H.L.; Rojo S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V. 2022
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85133102792&doi=10.1016%2fj.legalmed.2022.102077&partnerID=40&md5=b2d0d1a79e8feb79830561157bd46b9b

The estimation of the minimum value of the postmortem interval is affected by well-known abiotic factors such as temperature and humidity, and others relating to the crime scene (e.g. the presence of direct sunlight or shade, immersion in water). However, there are few published data related to other variables that may exist, such as the presence of different insect species, wrapping of the body, or the presence or absence of maggot masses or predatory larvae. In this paper, a case report is presented in which the corpse of a homeless person was partially wrapped in a blanket. The corpse was found outdoors, in an open area in the province of Alicante (SE Spain). Empty puparia of different species of Diptera were collected during the autopsy. According to the insect development data, the minimum postmortem period was estimated and the influence of different factors, especially the effect of being wrapped in the blanket and the presence of the puparia of different species, was discussed. The entomological evidence includes the first record of Synthesiomyia nudiseta (van der Wulp, 1883) (Diptera: Muscidae) in outdoor conditions, and Puliciphora rufipes Silva Figueroa, 1916 (Diptera: Phoridae), which has not previously been recorded on human remains. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.