Because insects have very specific habits, they can be very useful in solving crimes. They can provide evidence when calculating time of death, whether a body has been moved, and other important information. Often evidence provided by the insects’ life cycle and habits can help police catch a killer.

Question

Assignment Directions
Part 1: In this project, you will be introduced to Professor Lee Goff, a forensic entomologist, in his office at Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii. As you read his interview at pbs. org, take note of the tools he uses in his work as well as his perspective on the role he plays in solving crimes and working with law enforcement investigators, other forensic scientists, and the families of victims.

After you have developed a strong familiarity with the work of a forensic entomologist, read the case file about insects here: pbs. org.

Make sure to take notes so you can answer the questions in Part 2.

Before you begin, take a look at the following Forensic Entomology Data Form to familiarize yourself with some of the information that needs to be collected. You will not find all of this information in the case file you read, but it’s important to be familiar with the data that needs to be collected.

As you read, collect as many details as possible from the Case Files to answer the questions for part 2


Part 2: After reviewing the interview with Lee Goff, the Forensic Entomology Data Form, and the entomology case example, complete these activities and answer the following questions:

Construct an entomology timeline illustrating the sequence of events and the bugs present from the case file you read.
What are some of your observations regarding the preparations a forensic entomologist makes and the evidence they must collect for law enforcement and the courts?
What are some tools and procedures forensic entomologists like Lee Goff use to collect evidence?
How conclusive do you believe entomology evidence can be? Support your statements with facts.
Assignment Guidelines:
Your response must:

include a decomposition and entomology timeline;
have responses to questions 2 to 4 in the form of paragraphs; and
support your statements with facts.
Submission Requirements:
For all assignments, remember to:

Proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Use complete sentence structure and standard written English. Do not use texting abbreviations or other shortcuts.
Have a minimum of six sentences in each paragraph.

Question # 1
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1. Construct an entomology timeline illustrating the sequence of events and the bugs present from the case file you read.
2. What are some of your observations regarding the preparations a forensic entomologist makes and the evidence they must collect for law enforcement and the courts?
3. What are some tools and procedures forensic entomologists like Lee Goff use to collect evidence?
4. How conclusive do you believe entomology evidence can be? Support your statements with facts.

Submit your decomposition and entomology timeline and your responses to the questions, making sure to support your statements with facts.

Answer 1

Entomology Timeline

Below is a sample entomology timeline based on typical insect activity associated with decomposition:

1. Day 0: Body discovered.

   • Insects Present: Initial blowflies (Calliphoridae) arrive within minutes.

2. Day 1-2: Early colonization.

   • Insects Present: Blowflies lay eggs in natural body openings and wounds. Eggs hatch into larvae (maggots) within 24 hours.

3. Day 2-3: Larval stage.

   • Insects Present: First larvae begin feeding on the decaying tissue.

4. Day 3-5: Advanced decay.

   • Insects Present: Other species like flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) and beetles (Silphidae) begin to arrive as competition increases.

5. Day 7-10: Pupal stage begins.

   • Insects Present: Larvae enter the pupal stage after 5-7 days.

6. Day 14+: Dry remains stage.

   • Insects Present: Dermestid beetles (Dermestidae) and other scavengers start to break down the remaining tissue.

Observations on Forensic Entomologist Preparations and Evidence

Forensic entomologists like Professor Lee Goff engage in a meticulous preparation process for crime scene investigations. One of their primary responsibilities is to accurately document the scene of the crime. This includes collecting entomological evidence, such as insect specimens and temperature readings, which can provide vital information pertaining to the time of death. Forensic entomologists must also maintain a structural approach to their investigations, ensuring that they gather evidence in a manner consistent with scientific protocols. They often take photographs of the scene, note the environmental conditions, and catalog the species present at the site of the remains. This structured approach facilitates a higher level of integrity and reliability in their findings, making it more likely to stand up in a court of law. Observational notes about the state of decomposition and the interaction of various insect species also contribute to building a comprehensive context in the case.

Tools and Procedures Used by Forensic Entomologists

Forensic entomologists utilize a variety of tools and procedures to collect evidence effectively. Essential tools include entomological nets, forceps, collection vials, and preservation materials for insect specimens. They may also use field guides to accurately identify insect species on-site. Temperature devices are crucial for gathering data on the surroundings, as temperature can significantly affect insect activity and development. Moreover, forensics experts employ techniques such as taking samples of soil and decaying material from the body to analyze the microbial community, which can further aid in the determination of post-mortem intervals. Thorough documentation is vital, as every piece of evidence collected must be recorded meticulously, including the time of collection, the location, and any pertinent observational notes.

Conclusiveness of Entomology Evidence

The conclusiveness of entomology evidence can be quite significant, yet it also varies based on several factors. For instance, the life cycles of insects are well-documented and relatively predictable, allowing forensic entomologists to estimate the post-mortem interval based on the stage of development observed in the collected specimens. Studies have shown that under controlled conditions, certain fly species can undergo full development in known time frames, making entomology a reliable source of crucial data in investigations. However, the ability to generalize findings is affected by environmental conditions, the specific habitats of insect species, and potential delays in arrival at the crime scene. Additionally, while insect evidence can strongly support a timeline of events, it is often used in conjunction with other forensic methods like toxicology and DNA analysis to build a more comprehensive picture of the events surrounding a crime. Thus, while entomology evidence is powerful, it is most effective when integrated into a multidisciplinary forensic strategy.