Date of Award
Winter 12-20-2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department/Program
Forensic Science
Language
English
First Advisor or Mentor
Angelique Corthals
Second Reader
Nicholas Petraco
Third Advisor
Peter Shenkin
Abstract
Decomposition and burning of human remains are frequently encountered in forensic cases, and pose a challenge at determining an accurate cause of death. At autopsy, macroscopic techniques fail to reach beyond superficial layers of degraded tissue to identify wound morphology that characterizes blunt-force gunshot, and sharp-force trauma. The postmortem damage imparted on tissue with pre-existing injuries, obstructs the external features of trauma. Exploring beyond charred and decayed superficial tissue, histo-morphological patterns of injury are still identifiable as shown in this thesis. With detailed observation to the pattern of tissue disruption- an understanding of the type of trauma imposed can be found. Tissue injuries are exaggerated by thermal effects of burning and degraded by the taphonomic effects. This work aims to explore histomorphological findings of such challenging samples. Together with bone toolmark analysis, the information obtained from tissue trauma morphology can be applied to further develop models that can aid in the identification of trauma type and the tools used to inflict it.
Recommended Citation
Bezugly, Mariya, "Histomorphology of trauma in charred and decomposed remains" (2017). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/47