Traditional Decomposition Stages
A person who judges the time of death by the means of decomposition can refer to a simple five stage process:
- Stage 1: Initial Decay - Bacteria located mainly in the lower intestine begin decomposition, giving a greenish color to the lower abdomen.
- Stage 2: Putrefaction - Bacteria grow throughout the body, releasing gases, which in turn bloat the body and cause unpleasant odor.
- Stage 3: Black Putrefaction - This stage brings further discoloration to the body. The gases from bacterial decay begin to escape, causing strong odor.
- Stage 4: Butyric Fermentation - The internal organs liquefy and the body begins to dry out.
- Stage 5: Mummification - This is the slowest of the five stages. In a hot, dry climate the body may dehydrate, inhibiting bacterial decay; the skin dries to a dark leathery appearance.
Read more about this topic: Post-mortem Interval
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