(2) Medical - The victim's medical records and the autopsy report may
show indication of drug abuse.
(3) Social - What type of environment did the victim live in?
What type
of friends did he have?
(4) Mental - What was the attitude of the victim prior to death?
(5) Marital - Was the victim single, married, or divorced?
(6) Financial - What was the victim's financial situation?
h. The circumstances surrounding the death establish the manner of death.
This determination is made after a careful evaluation of the scene, witnesses,
historical data, and autopsy findings. The following factors are conclusive.
If present, however, they will aid in determining the manner of death.
i. The medical phase of the death investigation is a most important one.
Ideally, the pathologist should examine the body at the death scene; however,
in all cases the agent must note all items which may be of importance medically
and legally. He should report this to the pathologist. During the autopsy,
the pathologist should be asked to collect the following specimens and to
submit them for toxicological studies:
(1) Urine - Body waste may be tested for toxic drug levels.
(2) Brain - Portions of this are useful in determination of alcohol
content.
(3) Liver - This is the body detoxification center and can reveal more
about toxicity.
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MP0100
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