pathologeez

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Death By Lethal Injection

Since the 1970’s death by lethal injection has replaced electrocution and hanging as the main statute by which Death Row inmates are sentenced to die in the United States. The procedure is straightforward, but because licensed doctors are prohibited from performing executions due to medical ethics the execution has a greater chance to be botched compared to other methods. The procedure involves three main drugs:

Sodium thiopental or midazolam is injected in the inmates bloodstream via intravenous drips. These powerful anesthetics can render a person unconscious within 30 seconds to a minute.

Pancuronium bromide or Pavulon is then injected into the inmates bloodstream via a second IV drip in the inmates arm. These act as a fast-acting muscle relaxant on the main diaphragm, causing eventual asphyxiation

Potassium chloride may also be injected to ensure death - this causes the heart to beat erratically and within minutes the patient succumbs to cardiac arrest.

[pathologeez]

Sex Differences In Human Skeletons: Skulls

Determining the sex of a recovered skeleton to aid in identification can be a difficult process due to race, age, lifestyle, and environmental conditions of the site; often times investigators can only make an educated guess as to whether a skeleton could be male or female depending on the quality of the remains and the reasons listed above.

However, there are slight differences in the structure of male and female skeletons that are reasonably constant, the most obvious of which can be seen in the skull:

Shape of lower jaw

The lower mandible of males tends to be significantly heavier and more angular when compared to the rest of the facial structure.

Females, on the other hand, tend to have a rounder, lighter lower mandible with the chin featuring a more prominent point.

Shape of eyes

Males tend to have deeper-set orbital sockets with a small shelf of bone extending between the brows

Females tend to have shallower, more widely-spaced orbital sockets with no brow bone

Shape of nose cavity

Males have a wider, thicker nose cavity that appears pear-shaped

Females have a less prominent nose cavity that appears teardrop-shaped

Size/Overall Appearance

Males tend to have larger, thicker skulls with more prominent bone structure around the jaw, cheeks, and back of the head

Females tend to have rounder, more delicate skulls with less bone structure and much smoother overall texture and appearance.

[pathologeez]

“Septic Tank Sam” is the particular name designated to an unidentified murder victim that was discovered inside a septic tank located in an abandoned farmhouse outside of Tofield, Alberta, Canada in 1977. Investigating officers recounted his death as one of the most vile encounters they had ever experienced.‬ ‪ The victim’s body had been decomposing for months before being found by the owners of the property while they were searching through the old septic tank for a pump.‬ ‪ 
As stated by the autopsy records, the victim had been bound and repeatedly beaten while being burned with a blowtorch and cigarettes multiple times. Additionally, he was sexually mauled and shot in the chest and head.‬ ‪ The killer(s) wrapped his body in a yellow bed-sheet tied with nylon rope and disposed of it head first into the septic tank. They also dumped limestone with the body in order to dissolve it and accelerate the speed of decomposition.‬ ‪ However, instead of dissolving the corpse, it did the exact opposite. When water is combined with quicklime, only a small gradation of superficial burnings are caused along with a vast amount of body tissue becoming dried out, resulting in the body being well-preserved for the amount of time transpired before discovery.‬


‪ His body was unearthed in 1979 when a forensic pathologist named Dr. Clyde Snow was sent to reconstruct the skull and use DNA in order to aid in identifying what the victim looked like before death.‬ ‪Dr. Snow took numerous measurements of the skull and bone structure and logged the information into a computer program to show that the victim was male, most likely of aboriginal heritage, and approximately in his mid 30′s at the time of death. ‪ It is believed by police that he may have been a transient and was suspected to be a construction worker or farm laborer based upon his clothing.


Even after four decades, the identity of “Septic Tank Sam” is still a mystery.

[pathologeez]

Crime Scene Profiling

John E. Douglas, former FBI agent and former head of the Behavioral Analysis Unit developed a special type of criminal investigating called crime scene profiling. Crime scene profiling helps to establish who the offender may be, which can lead to the eventual apprehension of the individual. Douglas stated that there are up to three vital pieces of evidence which helps build a psychological profile of the suspect when crime scene profiling. They are:

Modus Operandi: This refers to the pattern that the killer engages in during the commission of their crimes. For example, Jeffrey Dahmer would go out to a club, bar, mall, or adult bookstore to look for a victim. He would offer them fifty dollars to pose for photos. If they agreed, they would follow him back to his apartment, where they were drugged and strangled.

Signature/Personation: This can be much more personal to the offender than the MO. A signature is a pattern or repeated behavior that is seen in almost every one of their crime scenes. The signature is usually symbolic to the perpetrator and can tell an investigator a lot about who he is. An example of a signature is the pantyhose which the victims of the Boston Strangler were killed with. The bow that the perpetrator tied was so unique to him that even copycats couldn’t replicate it.

Staging: This is the intentional alteration of the crime scene prior to it being discovered by the police. Staging can either be done because the perpetrator is trying to throw off the investigators, or the perpetrator is trying to communicate something to the world. In the case of the Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway, staged one of his victims, Carol Christensen. A bag was placed over her head (something murderers do to depersonalize the victim). She had a raw sausage link around her, a wine bottle in her hand, and two cleaned fish across her chest, believed by some to symbolize the Eucharist, the body, and blood of Christ. Gary Ridgway was reported to have killed partly because of his fanatical religious views, which provided him with a deep-seated hatred toward prostitutes.

Source: Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach by Curt and Anne Bartol

[pathologeez]

John Wayne Gacy’s Pogo the Clown suits and Ted Bundy’s real car which he removed the passenger seat to hide women’s bodies. On display at the True Crime museum in Pigeon Forge, TN

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FF #1 - Killer Classifications

Hello everyone! Hope you’re having a fantastic 2019 so far! This forensic fact, the first one of the year, covers the classifications of killers, from single homicide right to the renown serial killer title.

Often, when someone commits a homicide, the media tends to label them as a killer. If there have been multiple homicides, the media tends to label the situation as the workings of a serial killer. It makes sense, however, there’s a lot more that goes behind the classification of a killer than just a name. In the world of profiling, there are 6 classifications for a homicide that investigators rely upon. This is just a quick rundown of the 6, given that this is our first forensic fact of 2019 and we don’t want to get too into it too soon.

Classification 1 is a Single Homicide. This is when there has been a death of one victim in one event with no cool-off period necessary.

Classification 2 is a Double Homicide. This is when there have been 2 victims in one event in one location with, once again, no cool-off period necessary.

Classification 3 is a Triple Homicide. This is when there have been 3 victims in one event in one location with no cool-off period necessary.

Classification 4 is a Mass Homicide. This is when there have been 4 or more victims in one event in one location with no cool-off period necessary. It should also be noted that this type of killer branches off into two categories: classic and family. Classic is one person in one location at one time. Forensics describes these individuals as mentally disordered individuals whose problems have increased to the point that they act out against people unrelated to the issue. Family murder is, as the name says, an act when three family members are killed. Often the perpetrator commits suicide shortly thereafter, classifying this act as a mass murder/suicide.

Classification 5 is a Spree Killer. This is when there have been 2 or more victims in one event in two or more locations, with no cool-off period in-between the deaths. This, too, is a mass homicide classification, however, it has rightfully earned its own category. Charles Whitman is an example of this form of killer.

Classification 6, and the most commonly used term is a Serial Killer. This is when there have been 3 or more victims in three or more events with three or more locations being the sites of the initial crime. In this case, there is often a cool-off period of inactivity between the deaths. This is a mass homicide classification as well. Individuals under this category often pre-meditate their killings, fantasizing about the act before committing it [unlike spree killers] and selecting their victims to fit a certain ideal all while controlling the events leading up to the death. Christopher Wilder is an example of this, and an example of a serial killer that commits a spree of murders rather than settling around one specific and familiar area, as is often the case.

Classification is important for profiling. If the perpetrator is classified incorrectly. It could throw off the entire investigation and have law enforcement chasing leads that inevitably end up nowhere.

[pathologeez]

crows have been documented holding ‘funerals’ for many years. however, researchers suggest that they may not be mourning; evidence indicates that crows may be examining the body & surrounding area for potential threats to the rest of the flock.

source: (x)

[pathologeez]

Cystic medial degeneration of the aorta with dissection. In cystic medial necrosis or degeneration, the tunica media of elastic arteries such as the aorta show loss of smooth muscle fibers and fragmentation of the elastic fibers with a cystic-like appearance, best seen on elastin stains. Fibrosis can also be present. Although characteristic in Marfan syndrome, these changes are nonspecific and degenerative. This process is seen to varying degrees in patients with systemic hypertension and annuloaortic ectasia and is a risk factor for aortic dissection.

[pathologeez]

me, a victim of the black plague in 1340s florence, as the plague doctor puts leeches on me: come get y’all juice

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Limits of the Human Body

Body Heat = 107.6 F

Cold Water = 40 F

Hot Air = 300 F

High Altitude = 15,000 ft

Starvation = 45 days

Diving Depth = 282 ft

Lack of Oxygen = 11 minutes

Blood Loss = 40%

Dehydration = 7 days

[pathologeez]

Out of concern for the new guidelines content that can be regarded as gore, despite its use in forensic context, has been removed until further notice. Post-initiation of new guidelines, posting will reassume as normal

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I'll soon be back in classes, which means Forensics Fridays will begin again!

[pathologeez]

A museum located by me had this really cool exhibit about the Forensics that was used to show that Auschwitz was structurally designed to commit a mass genocide. The forensics was presented in a case when a known Holocaust denier David Irving sued Deborah Lipstadt and Penguin books for publishing the novel “Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory”(1994) in which he claimed they cited him as the denier. Professor Robert Jan Van Pelt and the University of Waterloo presented to the court forensic evidence, including to scale models of gas columns and a wall section with a gas hatch, that proved it was “purposefully designed factory of death, equipped with large, homicidal gas chambers and massive incinerators”(Van Pelt, 2000). This presentation helped win the case for Lipstadt and Penguin books. A film about the case is set to be released later on.

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The Psychology of Cults

Cult leaders, as well as some terrorist group leaders, use specific methods of psychological manipulation to keep their followers loyal and compliant. Here are a few examples of what these leaders do to keep their cult members faithful.

Depluralization This is the process where cult members are made to cut off their former ties and afflictions. Scientology is famous for isolating their members from the outside world and cutting ties with relatives and friends who openly denounce the “religion.” Scientologists have gone as far as stalking, harassing, and defaming outsiders who may threaten a member’s place within the cult. 

Self-deindividuation This method strips away a person’s personal identity. One way cult leaders do this is by making their members dress in a completely new way, many times exactly alike, to further take away their sense of individualization. Marshall Applewhite, the leader of Heaven’s Gate, made his followers dress in the same style of black tracksuits and Nikes. He also made them shave their heads. Soon the member’s only identity belongs inside of the cult, and they can no longer relate to the outside world.

Dehumanization In this process cult or terrorist group leaders attribute only negative characteristics to their perceived enemies and will refer to them as non-human entities such as animals, vermin, filth, etc., to help make it easier for members to engage in criminal activities against their enemies. Scientologists often have referred to their “enemies” as “suppressive persons.”

Demonization This is the social psychological conditioning process where group members become convinced that their enemies are in league with the devil and are “out to get them.” Thus, they need to engage in preemptive strikes in order to keep the safety of their cult or group intact.

Shame and Humiliation Terrorist groups and violent cults will use shame and humiliation (which increases the likelihood of violence and crime, especially in males) to coerce their followers to commit aggressive and violent acts against the cult’s enemies. The Japanese cult, Aum Shinrikyo, regularly used shame and humiliation in rituals on their followers.

source: Forensic Psychology by Jack Kitaeff  

[pathologeez]

Facts About Decomposition

Ultrasound of low power accelerates the activity of microbes, and can, accelerate decomposition.

Without blood the process of putrefaction is slowed. Therefore, a murder victim whose body bled out will decompose at a slower rate than someone who died of natural causes 

Bodies adorned in thick, heavy clothing (the material retains heat) decompose more rapidly than the norm.

Antibiotics in the body might delay the growth of bacteria and therefore may slow down decomposition.

Bodies of people who died from sudden death decompose faster - the blood remains in a liquid state for a long time, and the internal organs remain in blood

But if death was preceded by a prolonged agony, the organs were anemic and dystrophic.Thus, corpses decompose more slowly.

People who were overweight at the time of their deaths decompose faster than skinny people.

 People who suffered from excessive fluid build up decompose faster than those who were dehydrated. 

And people with massive infections and congestive heart failure will also decompose at a more rapid rate. 

Men decompose more slowly than women, whose tissues are more friable and richer in fatty tissue. 

[pathologeez]

How To Become A

Forensic Anthropologist!

Forensic anthropology is the application of the anatomical science of anthropology, and its various subfields in a legal setting. Forensic anthropologist assist in identifying deceased individuals whose remains are decomposed, mutilated, burned or unrecognizable.

Today, forensic anthropology is well established as a discipline in the forensic field. When physical characteristics (fingerprints, face, etc) which could be used to identify a body are tampered with, an anthropologists is called to investigate the remains and help identify individuals by using their bones.

Forensic anthropologists often assist in the investigation of war crimes (genocide, terrorism, etc.) and mass fatality investigations, like natural disasters or epidemics.

So, how do you become a forensic anthropologists?

The idea usually begins with a television show, or if you are like me, death and bones were fascinating to you as a child. There are various ways of arriving at the Forensic Anthropology career, I will explain the way we here is the U.S.A usually go about it.

High School Students:

Take all of your science classes, even physics!

• Biology will help you understand the human body, and how it works.

• Chemistry will help you understand the make up of life, and how the outside world can impact the remains.

• Physics will help you understand what happened the victims remains, example, how to determine if the person jumped, or fell off the roof prior to dying.

Math: Do not neglect it, you will be converting centimeters to feet/inches and so on. You will measure bones with various instruments, and you will need to understand some geometry when digging up a site, or sketching a room.

Arts: Drawing will be a lifesaver when it comes to osteology, not to mention if you must dig up a site. Photography, and working with clay is also good. Sketching the human form, and molding it will give you an advantage for the field.

Gym/PE Class: Stay fit! I repeat, stay fit! You will be working in odd conditions at times. Take on yoga for balancing and strength. Sometimes remains are in hard to reach areas, or you must squat for a long time to observe prior to moving. Fitness will help your back and legs to become strong and not hurt as much. We also spend a lot of time on a desk, so moving and being active is good for us.

English: learn to write proper emails, and the difference between how you write text messages and papers/professional emails.

Also volunteer in hospitals, morgues, old people homes, etc. You are probably used to being around the dead things, but don’t forget to keep in touch with the living and their needs. You need to know both the living world and the dead world, you are going to become the bridge between the two. Build your resume, do good in school and find a university or college that is right for you.

College/University:

Join the anthropology club, first semester, first week, first meeting, be there! (if there is no club, start it!) Go on trips (zoo, cemeteries, visit other schools/their anthropology departments, and go to conferences) ask professors to teach a five to ten minute lecture for the club, bake goods, fundraise, teach other departments and students about us. The friendships made within the club will become your network.

Take all of your general requirement courses seriously! (yes I know it feels like a repeat of high school, but your GPA matters for later on.)

Have a social life! Go out, but be safe. (College will not last forever.)

Make studying fun, create study groups, study outside and test each other.

Meet with your professors, go to their office hours, ask them about their research, a favorite book, or their favorite bone!

Start a dermestid beetle colony (if there is none)!

This is where you start to understand if you are a good fit, and if the work really is for you.

Visit the library, learn to research and write proper documents and papers. You will inevitably write grant proposals and thesis papers that will go way beyond 20 pages, it is normal.

If you can, take up a minor (forensic science is a fan favorite). Even a biology or art minor can help. Minor in something that is like a hobby for you, this will keep you mentally active and distracted for when you need a break from anthropology.

Again, stay fit! And try your best to eat healthy. And network, network, network.

Towards the last two years of your undergraduate degree do research! It can be something simple, like determining the sex between a female pelvis and a male pelvis, but make sure to present it, like at a conference where the Anthropology club will go and see it (winks). Professors might let you tag along and do research with them. Try and see if you can get something published, it can even be for the university’s newspaper, or magazine.

Take undergrad to make yourself distinct, and learn as much as you can.

Get your moneys worth!

Also, find a part-time college job to fund your partying and unhealthy food orders at midnight/three AM.

Plan your future, whether involves moving to a smaller location for work, or getting a higher degree.

Graduate School:

Not everyone will find an anthropology job with a BA or BS degree, the economy is not really our friend here. It might help to move, or relocate out of the big cities.

To PhD. or not? This is a big step that can take years to accomplish. It does not need to happen right away.

Getting a Masters degree is a great option. This is why your GPA, research, papers, and extracurriculars during undergrad were important. Distinct students make it into good graduate programs to do research, and to better learn the field.

Try not to pay for graduate school, often times the programs are funded through scholarships, assistantships, work, or even merit. Graduate school should not get you into more in debt, find the way.

Keep doing everything you did for undergrad, but amp it up. You have more free time to select and narrow your area of expertise (do you want to focus on children, adults, the pelvis, the skull, the process of decomposition, etc.). Make a killer thesis, and present your case. Show the world that you are here!

Also, keep a part-time/full-time job to fund your social life. Make time to hang out with professors (they are human just like you), colleagues, and friends.

Master’s are about two years, Ph.D varies by university or program and are a lot longer. Expect to educate as a Ph.D candidate, you will be teaching others, and make it fun.

Remember that you are more than your research, and your studies, they are a part of you, not the other way around.

Simple Steps:

Step 1: Graduate high school.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree.

Step 3: Complete a Master’s Degree Program. (Optional but you might need it.)

Step 4: Enroll in a PhD Program. (Optional.)

Aspiring Forensic Anthropologists:

• Need at least a master’s degree in anthropology or forensic anthropology to find suitable work.

• Note: A doctoral degree (Ph.D) is needed to pursue research and tenured teaching opportunities in academia.

And Have Fun!

[pathologeez]

Me, watchin Forensic Files

Narrator: and they bought a life insurance policy

Me: oh my god they bought a life insurance policy