Dr. Neil Haskell is one of the big names in forensic entomology. With a case load of over 1000, his skills are sought after like no other entomologist in the contiguous United States. He has most recently been called in on a double homicide in Illinois.
The story goes that Edwin Thomas Condon was shot in 2004 and found indoors in an advanced state of decay. Maggots from the autopsy were sent to Dr. Haskell for time of colonization determination. Dr. Haskell reported that Mr. Condon’s body was available for colonization over a 2 day period in early December.
The primary subject of cross examination for Dr. Haskell was the reasoning behind his growth rate calculation of maggots at 70 F. Since the body was found inside, investigators were able to provide the entomologist with the exact temperature at which the body stayed during decomposition. This the best situation–no temperature fluctuation makes calculation very easy, and the growth rate is straight forward. This allows for such a narrow colonization window: 2 days.
Read the rest of the story here:
Murder trial begins in Harrisburg – Carmi, IL – The Carmi Times.
