Flies Do Not Jump to Conclusions: Estimation of the Minimum Post-Mortem Interval for a Partly Skeletonized Body Based on Larvae of Phormia regina (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Simple Summary Many factors can influence the appearance of human remains. In the case presented here, the remains appeared to be exposed for months, because the bones were visible. Fly maggots collected from the body, however, suggested a much shorter period of only about two weeks. The confession of the perpetrator ultimately confirmed the shorter exposure time of the remains. Skeletonization is often perceived as an indicator of long post-mortem intervals. The finding of feeding larvae of first colonizers, on the other hand, indicates days. We present a case in which both findings were present. Larvae of Phormia regina, aged 9 days, and skeletonization of the head and part of the thorax were both found on an unidentified female body. Identification of dentures eventually led to resolution of the case and a confession, which settled the seeming contradiction in favor of forensic entomology.

Automated summary

Many factors can affect human remains' appearance. In one case, bones appeared exposed for months but fly maggots indicated only about two weeks. Perpetrator confession confirmed the shorter time. Both skeletonization and feeding larvae were found on the body, with identification of dentures ultimately solving the case.