Publication Date
Fall 11-29-2024
School
School of Health Sciences
Major
Forensic Science
Keywords
Decomposition, Fentanyl, Metabolic Processing, Terrestrial Environment, Post-Mortem Interval
Disciplines
Bacteria | Chemicals and Drugs
Recommended Citation
McDonald, Kaylene, "An Assessment of the Impact of Fentanyl on Post-Mortem Interval from a Decomposition and Biochemical Perspective" (2024). Senior Honors Theses. 1449.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1449
Abstract
In the realm of body decomposition, bodies undergo a plethora of different metabolic and chemical changes. The human body follows a very consistent pattern and predictable time frame, with the exclusion of extenuating circumstances. The presence of fentanyl at the time of death provides the possibility of changes in decomposition rates, potentially skewing the time of death estimations. This research analyzes the varying decompositional stages of a body and their subsequent close relations with activity in the environment around it, specifically investigating the impacts of fentanyl on those surroundings and postmortem interval estimation determinations. This research found evidence that fentanyl may have impacts on multiple facets of post-mortem interval estimations and demonstrates that further research should be done on the subject.
