1. Identification of the Victim

• Who is the deceased? (ID, personal belongings, fingerprints, dental records.)

• What was their last known location and activity?

• Are there any distinguishing marks, tattoos, or scars?

2. Cause & Manner of Death

• What are the visible injuries or wounds? (Gunshot, stab wounds, bruises, etc.)

• Are there any defensive wounds, suggesting a struggle?

• Is there evidence of restraint (ligature marks, bruising on wrists)?

• Could it be natural causes, suicide, accident, or homicide?

• Are there signs of poisoning or drug overdose? (Check mouth, nose, vomit, or toxicology screens.)

3. Time of Death

• What is the body's temperature? (Cooling rate can indicate time since death.)

• Are there signs of rigor mortis (stiffening of muscles)? (Helps estimate time of death.)

• Is there livor mortis (blood pooling)? (Indicates body position after death.)

• Are there insects or decomposition signs? (Can help estimate time elapsed.)

4. Crime Scene Examination

• What position is the body in? (Natural, staged, or moved?)

• Are there any drag marks or signs of relocation?

• Is there evidence of forced entry or a struggle nearby?

• What objects are near the body? (Weapons, drugs, personal items, blood spatter.)

• Are there signs of sexual assault or unusual undressing?

5. Environmental & External Factors

• What is the temperature and weather like? (Can affect decomposition.)

• Are there any surveillance cameras nearby?

• Any witnesses who heard or saw something unusual?

• Are there footprints, fingerprints, or other trace evidence?

6. Autopsy & Lab Analysis

• What do toxicology results reveal? (Drugs, alcohol, poisons.)

• Were there any internal injuries that weren’t visible externally?

• Any pre-existing medical conditions that could have contributed?

• Was the body altered post-mortem (dismemberment, burning, etc.)?