Questions from Kids: Cattle Mutilation

A quick review of the basics of what rigor mortis is, what it is not, and what it can tell us about a case.  The second half of the episode is more scientifically intensive and is intended to answer questions we received from adults about rigor mortis. If you have any questions or need further information, please message us on Twitter (@kolibriforensic) or via the organization website (www.kolibriforensics.org) To support the Skelecast and Kolibri Forensics, the nonprofit organization that sponsors it, please check out:  https://www.kolibriforensics.org/how-to-help/donate.html If you are interested in volunteering with Kolibri Forensics, please go to: https://www.kolibriforensics.org/how-to-help/volunteer.html

Often you hear it mentioned in cases-- like the "Jack the Ripper" killings-- that a perpetrator exhibited "surgical skill".  There are a few problems with this and it can easily lead investigators (professional and avocational alike) away from the guilty party if they are not careful. 

A quick and straightforward general explanation for why aircraft go missing and why we have to put up with nonsense like the "Bermuda Triangle", etc. If you enjoy this or any of the other episodes, it would be appreciated if you made a donation to the nonprofit organization that sponsors the show, Kolibri Forensics.   We are a team of volunteers who look for missing aircraft (both civilian and military), their crews, and their passengers in order to help close the cases and assure a proper burial for the victims.  https://www.kolibriforensics.org/how-to-help/donate.html Caution: There are a couple instances of mild swearing in this so if you don't want your kids to hear the use of the word "bull****", you might want to listen when they are not around.

The short answer is 'yes'.  Tune in for details to find out exactly what does. 

A quick "mini-episode" answering a question from a listener. 

Steve goes off on one of his pet peeves regarding the true crime community. 

How does a sober adult burn to death in a parked car? It has to be foul play.  Right? 

A quick explanation (that borders on a rant at times) about why you cannot use these terms interchangeably.  

What actually causes what people commonly refer to as "cattle mutilation"?  Steve tries to answer the question from the child of a listener without causing nightmares. 

What happens when you have a young woman die in a low-rent hotel in the seedy part of Los Angeles? Conspiracy nonsense, of course.  The actual story of the disappearance and death of Elisa Lam is far more nuanced and interesting than many people think.  The evidence will provide the right answers and allow the case to be viewed in a way that is not disrespectful to the memory of Miss Lam.