There are 4 Stages of Body Decomposition
- Fresh: Initial Decay (Autolysis)
- Bloated: Putrefaction
- Decay: Black Putrefaction
- Post Decay: Butyric Fermentation
Stages & Times of Decomposition
- 12-36 hrs: Blue-green discoloration of the skin. Right & left lower quadrant & abdomen.
- Marbling: Green-black discoloration in blood vesicle distribution
- Hemolyzed blood reacts with hydrogen sulfide
- 36-48 hrs: Bloating (most marked in areas of loose skin – scrotum, penis, eyelids)
- 60-72 hrs: Entire body decomposition
- 4 to 7 days: Skin Slippage (glove formation on hands/feet)
- Several Months: Saponification/Adipocere (prolonged exposure to moisture. White slippery appearance. From subcutaneous fat)Mummification: Drying interrupts decomposition. Bacterial growth is interrupted if moisture content <50%
- Weeks/Years: Skeletonization
Digestive time of Last Meal
- The stomach starts to empty in about 10 minutes
- Light Meal: 1.5 – 2 hours in the stomach
- Medium Meal: 3 – 4 hours in the stomach
- Heavy Meal: 4 – 6 hours in the stomach
- Variations: Stomach Issues
- Emotional State
