Term of Award

Spring 2025

Degree Name

Master of Science in Biology (M.S.)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Department

Department of Biology

Committee Chair

Ed Mondor

Committee Member 1

J. Scott Harrison

Committee Member 2

W. Eric Gato

Committee Member 3

Evan Lampert

Abstract

Forensic entomology plays a critical role in estimating the minimum postmortem interval (mPMIs), based on insect evidence. When victims are concealed, this can complicate mPMI estimates. Utilizing data from the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) from 2018 to 2021, I found that victims of infanticides and neonaticides are often concealed. I first investigated the demographics of offenders and victims, how often victims are concealed, and the most common means of concealment. I found that victims of infanticide were likely to be concealed 5% of the time, and neonaticides 50% of the time. Next, I investigated how concealment alters insect attraction, colonization, and decomposition. In a field study, I found that fetal pigs placed in open or closed suitcases had distinct insect communities between concealed and unconcealed remains. Larval colonization in open suitcases involved blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae), while closed suitcases were colonized primarily by flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) and coffin flies (Diptera: Phoridae). Lastly, I investigated the mechanism through which flies colonize concealed remains. In a mechanism study, I found that flies colonize remains concealed inside of a suitcase through the zipper. Understanding these variations and mechanisms is crucial for forensic entomologists, as it allows for more accurate mPMI estimates in cases where remains have been concealed, ultimately aiding in the pursuit of justice for the deceased.

OCLC Number

1520627731

Research Data and Supplementary Material

No

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