Journal of forensic sciences最新文献

The rise of illicitly manufactured fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances has overwhelmed seized-drug laboratories and resulted in an explosive surge of analysis requests, increasing backlogs and turn-around times. Direct analysis in real time (DART) ionization in combination with mass spectrometry has proven valuable as an identification tool for forensic laboratories by providing fast and reliable results. However, its application for quantitative analyses has been limited. In this work, the standardized DART-mass spectrometry (MS) qualitative method used throughout Drug Enforcement Administration laboratories was optimized and validated for rapid quantitation of fentanyl-containing samples. Sample solutions were prepared in methanol and ionized using a 3-s pulse of metastable helium atoms, while protonated molecular ions for fentanyl and fentanyl-d5 were monitored over a 12-s MS acquisition window using selected-ion monitoring. Measured peak area ratios resulted in great linear behavior (r > 0.999) over a fentanyl concentration range of 2–250 μg/mL and a calculated LOQ of 3.8 μg/mL. Validation of the method demonstrated excellent within-batch and between-day precision (relative standard deviations <6%) and high accuracy (mostly <10% error). Assessments involved numerous analyses (n = 57) of a quality control sample over the validation period and the testing of 9 laboratory-prepared and 15 real-life casework samples using an experimental protocol that allowed (a) contemporaneous establishment of a 3-point calibration curve; (b) analysis of negative and positive controls; and (c) analysis of two different samples (in duplicate), all within a single analysis batch of about 4.2 min. The validity and effectiveness of the DART-MS methodology for the quantitation of fentanyl in drug samples were hence demonstrated.

Unintentional water-related deaths are an ongoing global problem, despite being named by the United Nations as one of the leading preventable causes of death. To address the need for enhanced analysis of drowning risk factors, including demographic and situational conditions that may influence death outcomes, this research involved a three-phase multimodal risk assessment by utilizing unintentional water-related death records (n = 5105) from all Canadian provinces and territories from Jan 2006 to Dec 2016, census boundaries, hydrological shape files, and spectrum management data on all cellular towers. These were all accidental fatalities, where decedent demographics, situational case factors, and environmental conditions are known, including whether a rescue attempt occurred. It is believed that those who had a rescue attempt were better situated to have favorable outcomes but were unable to survive. Binary logistic regression shows that Indigenous persons experience 1.9× greater risk of not being rescued. Alcohol involvement doubled the risk of not being rescued. Differences in rescue likelihood by age were observed for youth, where there are greater expectations of guardianship. Results highlight the risk of being alone, and minors were found to be ineffectual interveners. Perimortem activities also show how many of these deaths involved unintentional water entry. Seasonal and temporal analyses reveal risky peak times during evenings and weekends and demonstrate the importance of per capita calculations in comparing risk between differently sized populations. Last, a novel approach was devised to stratify risk based on the probability of accessing cellular reception for emergency medical services at drowning locations.

A 61-year-old woman died in intensive care 3 days after a massive acetaminophen intoxication with suicidal intent. Investigations at the scene revealed at least 350 empty 500 mg capsule shells, whose content had presumably been consumed. A forensic autopsy, whole-body computed tomography, toxicological screening, and histopathological analysis were performed. The postmortem CT imaging and autopsy revealed a 10 × 9 × 7 cm pharmacobezoar in the gastric lumen. The formation of such a concretion is unusual for a moderately water-soluble drug such as acetaminophen. However, the massive amount of drug ingested and simultaneous alcohol consumption may have contributed to the phenomenon. Magnesium stearate, present as an excipient, may have also concurred by lowering the drug's solubility. The toxicological analysis identified a toxic acetaminophen femoral blood level of 690 mg/L, suggesting delayed absorption of the substance due to the bezoar. This case supports the hypothesis that acetaminophen pharmacobezoars may be responsible for the Bactrian (or “double-hump”) pharmacokinetics sometimes observed in massive overdoses. Second, while the cause of death was attributed to acetaminophen toxicity, no liver necrosis was observed on histopathological analysis, casting doubt on the hypothesis of acute liver failure. Although the present report is limited by the unavailability of the medical records, it suggests that the intoxication may have caused death through another mechanism.

Drug-facilitated crime (DFC) is a criminal act (e.g., assault, robbery, or sexual assault) in which the perpetrator uses drugs to impair the victim's ability to resist, remember, or recognize the crime being committed. Ethanol is commonly implicated in DFC casework, but limited data are published on other substances currently implicated in these crimes. DFC cases submitted to a large forensic reference laboratory between 2019 and 2023 were analyzed. Analytes and combinations were evaluated based on effect class. In total, 2371 blood samples and 5,041 urine samples were tested for common alcohols, GHB, and a variety of illicit and prescription medications. The most prevalent drug classes were cannabinoids (delta-9-THC/delta-9-THCCOOH), ethanol, and stimulants, with delta-9 THC/metabolites being most prevalent in both matrices, followed closely by ethanol. The stimulant drug class's most prevalent analytes include methamphetamine, cocaine/cocaine metabolites, and amphetamine. Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and flunitrazepam were infrequently detected. Polydrug combination data showed similar trends to when substances were identified alone, specifically that ethanol, cannabinoids, or a stimulant were often found in combination. Sedating substances were more prevalent than stimulating substances, specifically benzodiazepines and antihistamines. Polydrug data support urine collection in DFC cases, as they identified analytes in 22% of cases with negative blood toxicology. Recent literature notes novel psychoactive substances, including designer benzodiazepines, being detected in DFC cases globally, and recommends their inclusion in comprehensive DFC scopes. It is imperative that the appropriate matrix, scope, and limitations be evaluated to accurately determine trends, and scopes are continuously updated to capture the ever-changing drug market.

The search for human remains from river systems presents significant challenges due to the complex and variable nature of fluvial environments. Estimating transport distances is critical for defining search areas; yet, no reliable predictive methods exist. Scientific literature on the fluvial transport of human bodies is limited, and the extent of variability in transport outcomes remains poorly documented. This study investigates patterns of body transport in 101 medicolegal cases across Iowa, a state characterized by diverse river systems and seasonal climatic variation, to assess how factors such as postmortem interval (PMI), river discharge rate (volume of water flowing through a river channel), season, clothing, and body mass index (BMI) affect fluvial transport distances. Results show that larger rivers with higher discharge rates are generally associated with longer transport distances and PMIs. River discharge explained approximately 20% of the variation in transport distance, and PMI accounted for 5%. However, substantial variability exists, with some bodies traveling significant distances in short periods (e.g., 1.2 miles in 30 min), even in medium-sized rivers. The longest transport was 89 miles in the Mississippi River. Seasonal timing and clothing had minor effects, with heavily clothed winter entries traveling further with higher PMIs. BMI had no significant correlation with transport outcomes. Understanding the range of possible transport distances can inform search strategies. The potential for long-distance transport advocates for increased inter-jurisdictional coordination in search efforts. These results contribute to the limited forensic literature on riverine body transport and provide insight into search and recovery operations.

Companion deaths have received little attention in the forensic literature, especially those resulting from natural causes. These include so-called “Philemon and Bauci” deaths, referring to the natural demise of two emotionally bonded individuals, occurring within brief temporal proximity, conceptualized as the death of one person as a reaction to the death of the other. This study investigates companion fatalities documented by two large medical examiner offices in the United States over 10 years, focusing on cases where at least one individual's cause of death is non-traumatic. Ninety-two total companion cases met the inclusion criteria, including 14 double natural deaths characterized as caregiving relationships, where the dependent individual died after the natural death of the caregiver. Five companion cases were separately categorized as “Philemon and Baucis-like”, as they were similar in features to the so-called Philemon and Baucis deaths previously described in the literature, and a caregiving relationship could not be substantiated. Other case types involved drug toxicity, carbon monoxide poisoning, hypothermia, and several unique causes and manners of death. The largest study on non-traumatic companion deaths to date, this investigation reveals the opportunities, challenges, overlap, and limitations in distinguishing between “Philemon and Baucis” deaths and double deaths resulting from caregiving relationships. Key points of emphasis in the investigation, autopsy, and certification of such companion deaths are discussed, as considerations for the practicing forensic pathologist.

This study aimed to examine the relationships among meaning and purpose in life, life satisfaction, and occupational burnout among forensic medicine specialists and autopsy technicians. Additionally, the impact of individual and professional variables, including autopsy frequency, on these psychosocial outcomes was investigated. The sample consisted of 298 participants, comprising forensic specialists and autopsy technicians. Data were collected using standardized instruments: the Meaning and Purpose in Life Scale (MPLS), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, reliability testing, correlation and regression analyses, as well as t-tests and ANOVA. The results indicated that MPLS and SWLS had moderate reliability, while the MBI showed moderate internal consistency. A strong positive correlation was observed between meaning in life and life satisfaction. Conversely, both were significantly negatively correlated with burnout. Regression analyses revealed that higher MPLS and SWLS scores significantly predicted lower levels of burnout. Moreover, significant differences in MPLS, SWLS, and MBI scores were found based on education level, income, institution, professional role, years of experience, and autopsy workload. The findings suggest that meaning and purpose in life, along with life satisfaction, serve as protective factors against occupational burnout in forensic medicine professionals. High autopsy workload and recent involvement in autopsy procedures were associated with reduced psychological well-being. These results underscore the importance of institutional strategies to support the mental health and long-term sustainability of this vital workforce.

Firearm violence has continued to increase, yet there remains a gap in the literature surrounding GSW fracture patterns to long bones. The majority of GSW research is centered on the cranium or thoracic bones, as they are most affiliated with fatal injuries. The present study examined differences in fragmentation and trauma characteristics on long bones caused by two ammunition types. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) tibiae (n = 50) were encased in 10% ballistic gelatin, and 9 mm ammunition from a handgun and 5.56 mm ammunition from an assault rifle were fired from 3 yards (~2.74 m). Due to the higher potential wounding energy, it was anticipated that tibiae impacted by 5.56 mm ammunition would exhibit a greater degree of fragmentation and obscure fracture patterns. Conversely, fragmentation patterns from 9 mm ammunition were expected to be more discernible, given the lower energy transfer and smaller caliber, allowing for easier classification of fracture patterns. A Mann–Whitney U-test revealed 5.56 mm ammunition caused more fragmentation than 9 mm (p = 0.002). False butterfly fractures were observed in 48% of the 9 mm sample and 4% of the 5.56 mm sample. Chi-square tests for independence showed that all but stepped breakout (χ² [1] = 1.299, p = 0.254) had a statistical association with an ammunition type. The present study found significant differences between the frequency of observed ballistic characteristics and ammunition type within the sample; however, due to similarities, it is not recommended to use fracture pattern analysis as a method of classifying ammunition type.

Forensic entomology currently represents a precise and accurate approach for estimating the minimum postmortem interval (PMI_MIN) in medicolegal death investigations. However, this field would greatly benefit from baseline data regarding the early stages of body exposure before insects arrive (the pre-colonization interval or pre-CI) to further refine PMI_MIN estimations. The goal of this project was to generate a human-specific pre-CI baseline dataset covering a range of ambient temperatures. Donated human remains (N = 62) were placed at the University of Tennessee Anthropology Research Facility across all seasons over a 3-year period and allowed to be colonized naturally by local blow flies. Initial oviposition events were recorded, and insect eggs from a subset of donors were reared for species identification. Ten donors were randomly selected to constitute the first validation cohort, using the remaining 52 donors as the training dataset. A second validation cohort consisted of 13 additional donors with unknown pre-CI data. The most important pre-CI predictors were statistically grouped, and a 95% confidence interval was determined. Minimum temperature was found to be a statistically significant predictor of the pre-CI (p = 0.000, R² = 0.608), and the pre-CI dataset produced accurate estimations for samples collected above a minimum daily temperature of 22°C. The addition of the pre-CI to larval age estimations significantly improved estimation accuracy (χ = 106.19, df = 4, p < 0.001). The generation of an error rate for this time interval aligns with the recommendations for strengthening forensic science set forth by the National Research Council.

While the majority of individuals with schizophrenia do not engage in violent behavior, the presence of the disorder is associated with a modestly increased risk of violence, particularly within familial contexts. Parricide—defined as the killing of a parent—is a rare but severe form of domestic violence often linked to untreated or poorly managed psychotic illness. A case review was conducted at the Korydallos Prison Psychiatric Hospital in Greece, the country's sole forensic psychiatric facility. Clinical histories, sociodemographic data, and diagnostic profiles were analyzed. Both siblings were diagnosed with schizophrenia and shared significant similarities in terms of psychosocial background, lifestyle, and mental health history. The findings align with epidemiological evidence that highlights the influence of genetic vulnerability, environmental adversity, and familial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and its potential progression to extreme violence. This case underscores the rare but devastating intersection of shared genetic risk, severe mental illness, and familial homicide. It highlights the importance of early diagnosis, integrated family-based interventions, and sustained psychiatric care in mitigating the risk of violent outcomes in genetically vulnerable populations.