Organized by: International Forensic Scientist Awards
Website: forensicscientist.org
15th Edition of Forensic Scientist Awards 27-28 October 2025 | Paris, France
Abstract
Estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) remains a cornerstone of forensic pathology, especially in medico-legal death investigations. Traditional approaches, although valuable, are often limited by variable accuracy and inconsistencies in biochemical parameters. This study presents a novel digital software solution designed to unify conventional methods with advanced data analysis for more accurate PMI estimation. The software integrates body temperature data and vitreous humor solute concentrations—specifically potassium, albumin, hypoxanthine, and urea—into a cohesive analytical system, offering a significant advancement in digital forensic methodology.
Introduction
In forensic investigations, determining the time since death is one of the most critical yet challenging tasks. Conventional methods such as body cooling (algor mortis) and rigor mortis offer only rough estimates. Additionally, biochemical analyses like vitreous humor evaluation vary due to inconsistent formulas and sample handling, reducing reliability.
To address these challenges, this research proposes the development of a multi-parameter forensic software that integrates physiological and biochemical data. The tool leverages computational algorithms to enhance precision, reproducibility, and efficiency in postmortem interval estimation.
Methods
The software merges the Henssge nomogram method (based on body temperature decay) with dynamic biochemical models derived from solute concentration changes in the vitreous humor. It includes parameters such as potassium, albumin, hypoxanthine, and urea, extracted from peer-reviewed scientific literature.
Developed in Java, the program features an intuitive graphical interface and is compatible with Windows and MacOS. It is designed to ensure:
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Rapid data input and output
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Low computational resource usage
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User-friendly interpretation of results
This integration allows forensic pathologists and researchers to process complex data quickly and effectively, ensuring reliable PMI estimations.
Results
The proposed software achieves a higher level of precision by integrating temperature-based and biochemical-based methods into one analytical framework. By applying regression models derived from literature and combining them with the Henssge formula, the program provides a unified and accurate PMI estimate.
Its usability and versatility make it suitable for both practical forensic casework and academic research, promoting consistency and scientific rigor in death-time estimation.
Conclusion
This study marks a significant step forward in forensic digital transformation. The developed multi-parameter software provides a cohesive, scientifically grounded, and user-oriented approach to PMI estimation. It bridges traditional forensic science with modern computational techniques, improving accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility in forensic investigations.
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