PMI (Postmortem Interval)

Postmortem Interval (PMI) refers to the time elapsed since a person has died. Forensic scientists estimate PMI by examining factors like body temperature, rigor mortis, decomposition stages, insect activity, and environmental conditions. Accurate PMI estimation helps investigators understand the timeline of death, which can be crucial for legal and investigative purposes. Techniques involve analyzing changes in the body and local environment, often using scientific methods to arrive at an approximated time frame. While not always exact, these methods provide valuable insights to narrow down the time of death.