READ: Death Investigation

Decomposition

After a few days real decomposition starts to set in. After decomposition begins algor, livor, and rigor mortis are generally no longer helpful. Several different processes start to take place as the body’s own enzymes start to break down and as bacteria and insects start to decompose the body.

Putrefaction

Putrefaction is the process in which the tissues and organs of the body are broken down by bacteria and fungi. The bacteria or fungi will actually consume the proteins and tissues of the body resulting in liquefaction of the organs. This process typically releases gasses and can cause the body to bloat. It also caused odors. After about 2-3 days the body will start to discolor and turn a greenish color beginning with the abdomen and eventually going out towards the limbs. After about 2 weeks the body will be very bloated with the gasses made from the bacteria and after about 4 weeks the body will be severely decomposed and unrecognizable.

The putrefaction process is obviously dependent on the temperature where the body is. In hotter temperatures the process will proceed more quickly. This is why morgues and funeral homes store bodies at lower temperatures. Lower temperatures can greatly slow or even stop the decomposition process from occurring.

Skeletonization

After the bodies tissues have all decomposed the skeleton is visible. The process of skeletonization can take anywhere from about a month to a few years depending on the climate and conditions the body is in. The temperature, presence of water, air, or chemicals can all influence how long the process takes.

Sometimes bodies can decompose in different ways in certain conditions. In order for decomposition to take place bacteria and fungi need to be able to survive. Most bacteria and fungi require oxygen to live. So if a body is exposed to conditions where oxygen is absent, decomposition may not take place in the typical way. Mummification and adipocere are both examples of how this can happen.

Mummification

A body can become mummified if the conditions are right. In order for mummification to occur the body must usually be in dry conditions. Mummification can also occur if the body is in extremely cold conditions or conditions in with there is no oxygen. A body can also be mummified if it is exposed to certain chemicals. Basically a mummified body is dried out.

Adipocere

Adipocere is a waxy substance that is formed from body fat. Sometimes the fat in a body will become hard and waxy. It is usually a gray or white color. This typically takes a few months to form, but once it has formed, it can last for years. The face, the abdomen, and fatty areas are the mostly likely to form adipocere. Women, infants, and obese people are more likely to form adipocere because they have a higher concentration of body fat. In order for adipocere to form, the conditions must be right. It usually forms when the body is exposed to high levels of moisture and low oxygen, such as in muddy or wet ground.