Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan: The Smell Of Death
Digest
This podcast delves into the world of death investigation, focusing on the process of human decomposition. Joseph Scott Morgan, a death investigator, shares his expertise and insights, addressing common misconceptions and providing a detailed explanation of the decomposition process. He discusses the various stages of decomposition, highlighting the influence of factors like temperature and environmental conditions. Morgan also emphasizes the importance of understanding decomposition for effective crime scene investigation, as it can obscure evidence and complicate the determination of the cause of death. He shares real-life case examples to illustrate the challenges and complexities of investigating decomposed bodies. The podcast also touches upon the emotional impact of encountering decomposition, emphasizing the need for investigators to overcome their initial horror and focus on the scientific aspects of the process.
Outlines
Introduction to Crime Alert Hourly Update and Death Investigation
This segment introduces the Crime Alert Hourly Update podcast and its focus on delivering the latest crime news, including high-profile cases and missing persons alerts. It also introduces Joseph Scott Morgan, a death investigator, who will be discussing the process of human decomposition.
The Most Common Question Asked to a Death Investigator
Joseph Scott Morgan discusses the most common question he receives as a death investigator: "What's the worst thing you've ever seen?" He explains that the concept of "worst" is subjective and that he's become desensitized to certain things due to his experience.
Human Decomposition from an Investigative Perspective
Morgan delves into the topic of human decomposition, emphasizing its importance in investigations. He discusses the challenges of determining time of death based on decomposition and the unique smells associated with decaying bodies.
Decomposition and Its Impact on Crime Scene Investigation
Morgan discusses how decomposition can obscure evidence at a crime scene, making it difficult to determine the cause of death. He shares a case where a body's decomposition mimicked signs of an axe attack, highlighting the importance of careful observation and analysis.
Overcoming Horror and the Importance of Understanding Decomposition
Morgan emphasizes the importance of overcoming the horror of decomposition in order to effectively investigate a crime. He argues that investigators must focus on the scientific aspects of the process to avoid missing crucial evidence.
Keywords
Decomposition
The process of breaking down of organic matter after death, involving autolysis (self-digestion) and putrefaction (bacterial activity). It's influenced by factors like temperature, humidity, and insect activity.
Postmortem Interval
The time elapsed between death and the discovery of a body. It's estimated using various factors, including rigor mortis, livor mortis, and decomposition stages.
Autolysis
The self-digestion of cells and tissues after death, initiated by enzymes released from the body's own cells. It's a key process in the early stages of decomposition.
Skin Slippage
A sign of decomposition where the epidermis (outer layer of skin) separates from the dermis (inner layer) due to gas buildup. It's often associated with bloating and can be a marker of time of death.
Decomposition Blabs
Small, balloon-like bumps that appear on the skin during decomposition, caused by gas buildup beneath the epidermis. They can be filled with decomposition fluid, a mixture of cellular waste and other substances.
Marbling
A pattern of deep purple discoloration that appears on the skin during decomposition, caused by the decay of blood in the vessels. It resembles a spider web and is often seen on the face.
Purge Fluid
A foul-smelling fluid that can leak from the nose and mouth during decomposition, composed of cellular waste and other substances. It can stain adjacent surfaces and is a sign of advanced decomposition.
Forensic Science
The application of scientific principles and techniques to investigate crimes and provide evidence in legal proceedings. It encompasses various disciplines, including forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, and forensic entomology.
Crime Scene Investigation
The process of collecting and analyzing evidence at a crime scene to determine what happened, who was involved, and how the crime was committed. It involves meticulous documentation, photography, and the collection of physical evidence.
Q&A
What is the most common question asked to a death investigator?
The most common question is "What's the worst thing you've ever seen?" This question reflects a fascination with the morbid and a desire to understand the extremes of human experience.
How does temperature affect decomposition?
Temperature is a major factor in decomposition. Warmer temperatures accelerate the process, while cooler temperatures slow it down. This makes it crucial to consider the ambient temperature when estimating time of death.
What are some signs of advanced decomposition?
Signs of advanced decomposition include skin slippage, decomposition blabs, marbling, and purge fluid. These changes are often visible to the naked eye and can provide valuable information about the time of death.
Why is it important to overcome the horror of decomposition?
Overcoming the horror of decomposition is essential for effective crime scene investigation. Investigators must focus on the scientific aspects of the process to avoid missing crucial evidence that could be obscured by decomposition.
How can decomposition obscure evidence at a crime scene?
Decomposition can obscure evidence by causing bloating, skin slippage, and the release of purge fluid. These changes can mask injuries, making it difficult to determine the cause of death or identify potential weapons.
What are some of the challenges of determining time of death based on decomposition?
Determining time of death based on decomposition is challenging because the process is influenced by various factors, including temperature, humidity, and insect activity. It requires careful observation and analysis of multiple factors.
What is the significance of understanding the decomposition process?
Understanding the decomposition process is crucial for forensic scientists, law enforcement, and anyone involved in death investigation. It helps to estimate time of death, identify potential causes of death, and interpret evidence at a crime scene.
Show Notes
What is the worst thing you have ever seen on the job? This is one of the most common questions asked of Joseph Scott Morgan. Today on Body Bags, the professor breaks down the stages of decomposition while sharing his firsthand accounts of working the scene of bodies that have been decomposing in the heat from a day to a month or more. This is a can't miss episode that provides an up close look at those who deal with death and the very natural things that take place in every person when they die.
Transcription Highlights
00:00:00 Introduction - What is the worst thing you have ever seen?
00:03:45 Sensory Memories and human remains
00:05:06 Talk about the "smell" of burning flesh
00:09:25 Particular smells, burning tires
00:15:25 Life and Death are natural
00:20:18 Description of decomposing body in a bed
00:25:07 Smelling coworkers for the smell of decomposition
00:30:14 Different levels of decomposition
00:35:38 Environmental temperature impacting decomposition
00:40:36 Looking at decomposition hiding injury
00:42:48 Conclusion
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