A mathematical model applied for assisting the estimation of PMI in a case of forensic importance. First record of Conicera similis (Diptera: Phoridae) in a corpse.

We present a forensic case associated with skeletonized human remains found inside a cistern in a coastal town located in the eastern Iberian Peninsula (Valencian Regional Government, Spain). In order to analyse the particular environmental conditions that occurred during oviposition and development of the collected insects, estimated temperatures at the crime scene were calculated by a predictive mathematical model. This model analyses the correlation between the variability of the internal temperature depending on the variability of the external ones. The amplitude of the temperature oscillations inside the tank and the containment of the enclosure is reduced by the presence of water. Such variation occurred within about 2h due to the time required for heat exchange. The differential equations employed to model differences between outdoor and indoor temperatures were an essential tool which let us estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI) that was carried out by the study of the insect succession and the development time of the collected Diptera specimens under the adjusted temperatures. The presence of live larvae and pupae of Sarcophagidae and empty pupae of Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Fanniidae, Muscidae, Phoridae and Piophilidae and the decomposition stage suggested the possibility that the remains were in the tank at least a year. We highlight the absence of Calliphora and Lucilia spp., and the first occurrence of the phorid Conicera similis in a human cadaver among the entomological evidence.

Determinación del intervalo postmortem mediante el estudio de la sucesión de insectos en dos cadáveres hallados en el interior de una finca rústica en Madrid / Assessment of post-mortem interval through the study of the insect succession in two corpses found indoors in a country house in Madrid

En este artículo se presenta un caso estudiado en el Laboratorio de Entomología Forense de la Sección de Antropología de la Comisaría General de Policía Científica (Cuerpo Nacional de Policía). En él, se analizaron muestras entomológicas recogidas en dos cadáveres durante la práctica de la Inspección Ocular Técnico Policial, llevada a cabo en la localidad de Fuenlabrada, sita en la zona Sur de Madrid (España, Región Paleártica). Los dos cadáveres, en avanzado estado de descomposición, fueron encontrados en el interior de una finca rústica en invierno del año 2001. Las evidencias de interés forense recogidas consistieron en dípteros de las Familias Calliphoridae, Muscidae y Phoridae y Coleoptera de las Familias Cleridae, Dermestidae e Histeridae. Además, arácnidos que permitieron afirmar la compatibilidad de los especímenes con el entorno. La sucesión de los insectos recogidos permitió estimar el intervalo post-mortem en un año (AU)

In this paper, it is reported a case which was studied in the Forensic Entomology Laboratory belonging to the Anthropology Section from the General Department of the Scientific Police (Spanish National Police). We analysed entomological evidences collected during death scene investigation performed in Fuenlabrada, south of Madrid administrative region (Spain, Paleartic Region). Both corpses, in advanced decomposition stage, were found indoors in a country house in winter 2001. Samples collected consisted of Diptera identified as Calliphoridae, Muscidae and Phoridae Families; Coleoptera corresponding to Cleridae, Dermestidae and Histeridae ones. Furthermore, spiders which allowed us to confirm the compatibility with the place where carcasses were found. The study of the insect succession allowed the estimation of post-mortem interval in one year (AU)