Determining time of death using blow fly eggs in the early postmortem interval

Abstract

A forensic entomology case is presented which is interesting for two reasons; firstly, it uses egg development, but secondly, it involves a case which is over 20 years old, and was recently re-opened. The only entomological evidence was in the form of photographs. Usually, it is not possible to make any determinations from photographs alone, as species and age cannot be determined. However, this case was particularly unusual, as close up photographs taken by police at the crime scene showed the first egg eclosion. Weather records, developmental data and degree day accumulations, together with a knowledge of local species and their habitats, allowed determination of the time since death. Time of death was affirmed when the defendant was convicted of first degree murder more than 20 years after the killing.