ABSTRACT
The postmortem interval (PMI), or time since death, is the length of time for which an individual has been deceased until the point of discovery. An accurate and precise PMI estimation significantly contributes to forensic investigations, as it limits the possibilities of potential decedents, lending to a higher probability of identification. The PMI may also corroborate information associated with possible perpetrators and contribute to a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding a death. Understanding taphonomic processes associated with human decomposition and how environmental, cultural, or case-specific variables affect these processes is fundamental to determining a PMI. The variation inherent in human decomposition complicates precise and accurate PMI estimations and has led to extensive research and the development of multiple specialized research facilities dedicated to this effort. This chapter provides a detailed overview of the human decomposition process, research contributing to the current state of the field, and the various methods in use to estimate the PMI.
