CHINA Photos show forensic experts conducting the external examination of a woman’s body at the scene where she was discovered. She was lying on the street next to a parked car. Distinct postmortem lividity (livores mortis) suggested that she had been dead for at least two hours. Marks of violence were found on her body, raising the suspicion that the case might involve homicide.
Forensic specialists follow strict procedures at a death scene, since any mistake or oversight can compromise evidence in court. One of their primary tasks is detailed photo documentation – capturing images of the body exactly as it was found, from multiple angles and distances, before any movement is allowed.
The next step is describing the body and its surroundings. This includes noting clothing, personal items, possible signs of assault or defense, and small details such as hand position, whether the mouth is open or closed, or traces of blood on the skin and nearby surfaces. They also record body temperature, rigor mortis, and lividity patterns to help estimate the time of death.
Evidence collection is equally crucial. Samples may be taken from hair, nails, clothing fibers, or body fluids. Each item must be properly sealed and labeled to avoid contamination. Every bag, glove, or container is used only once, with all actions carefully logged in official reports.
Forensic experts also work alongside police investigators, who secure the wider crime scene, and detectives, who search for witnesses and reconstruct the victim’s last moments. In this way, forensic teams form a vital bridge between the physical body and later laboratory or courtroom analysis.
