Reference no: EM133658928

Case: The Abandoned Warehouse

A body is found on the concrete floor of an abandoned petroleum manufacturing building lying face-up among wooden boxes and cans. Upon arrival, body temperature was measured to be 76.2° F. Livor mortis was found along the back and backs of the legs. When pressed, the areas of lividity remained dark. Visible marks were found as follows: severe purple bruising around the eyes. No other wounds or marks were found. The body was found to have rigor mortis throughout the entire body. The toxicology technician discovered alcohol in the decedent's system consistent with approximately five alcoholic beverages.

Now discuss the position of the body and the likely source of the blood for drug testing. Each answer is worth two points.

1. Determine whether or not the body was moved. Explain your reasoning.

2. State at least two different places where the toxicology sample likely would have been extracted.

Determine cause and manner of death, who orders the autopsy, and who signs the death certificate. Each answer is worth one point.

• Given the information in the case and the observations you have made, determine a possible cause of death, and explain your reasoning.
• Given the information in the case and the observations you have made, determine the likely manner of death.
• In this case, who would order the autopsy?
• In this case, who would sign the death certificate?