Forensicsworld Episode 13 - "Let's Talk About Death - The Mortises"

Mariette Whitcomb writes psychological thrillers and lives in Pretoria, South Africa. Mariette has published seven books including the four book "Finlay" series (Orca, Deception, Binding Lies & Fortius). The Skull Keeper and two of three in the Death Trilogy round out her published works! Hear Mariette's thoughts on the writing process, social media, her books to date and what's to come! Mariette's characters are rich with charisma and depth and her thorough research is reflected in the realism she brings to all aspects of her stories, including CSI, forensics! Learn something today!

Let's talk about death! Learn about the "mortis family", pallor mortis, algor mortis, rigor mortis, livor mortis. What does each mortis mean? What are the changes associated with each mortis? Can the mortises help with the determination of PMI (post mortem interval)? Give Episode 13 a listen and learn something today!

Listen to the part 1 of Learn Something Today. When does the human decomposition process start? What is ninhydrin? What are the three parts to the exposure triangle in photography? Can I take a DNA sample from a dry bloody t-shirt? What is the best way to store seized footwear? Five questions. Five answers. Learn something today!

If a knife made of ice is used in a murder, what happens when it melts? Can you identity someone using palm prints? How important are certifications? Could you extract human DNA from a mosquito that has ingested human blood? Are bones commonly broken in homicides? How do you set out your evidence placards at a crime scene? These and more CSI and Forensics related questions from followers/listeners are covered in Episode 11! You will most certainly, Learn Something Today!

Episode 10 discusses the time when what appeared to be a straight forward sudden death investigation turned out to be more than anticipated! Learn what two household products when combined can create a toxic vapour and of course there are those blowflys, hundreds of them!

Where are you? What is PMI? Have you ever investigated a plane crash? What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job? Do you remember the first time you located a fingerprint? What is an unexpected place you found forensic evidence? The answers to these questions and more are covered in Episode 9, Listener Questions - Part 1. Learn something today!

Pick up where Episode 7 Autopsy Part 1 left off. Unzip the shroud and begin! External and internal examinations are described and discussed. Learn how the brain is exposed, removed and sectioned. Does every death result in an autopsy? Does every autopsy follow the same steps? Give Episode 8 Autopsy Part 2 a listen and learn something today!

What happens to a body once it is secured for transport to the morgue? What is an autopsy and why are they performed? Episode 7 "Autopsy Part 1" discusses the movement of a body from a scene to it being secured in a morgue crypt. Hear about what preparations are made prior to the autopsy. Learn why it is important to keep your scene secure until after an autopsy is complete. Have you ever been in a morgue? Learn something today!

Episode 6 discusses the formation of fingerprints in the fetal stage of development and how it is possible that no two fingerprints are, have been or ever will be alike! Learn the basics of fingerprints, how they are formed and what makes them both unique and persistent. Answers to the questions, "If I shave my fingerprints off, will I ever get caught?" and, "Do twins have the same fingerprints?" are revealed. Learn something today!

Episode 5 discusses five common wound types and their characteristics. What caused that wound? Why is it important to figure that out? Hear tips on how to successfully photograph injuries. Learn why you should try to document injuries before medical treatment. Bottom line, just get the shot!