Chemistry Commons^™

Identification Of Characteristic Volatile Organic Compounds Released During The Decomposition Process Of Human Remains And Analogues, Norma Iris Caraballo

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The manner in which remains decompose has been and is currently being researched around the world, yet little is still known about the generated scent of death. In fact, it was not until the Casey Anthony trial that research on the odor released from decomposing remains, and the compounds that it is comprised of, was brought to light. The Anthony trial marked the first admission of human decomposition odor as forensic evidence into the court of law; however, it was not “ready for prime time” as the scientific research on the scent of death is still in its infancy.

This …