A WRITER'S GUIDE TO MURDER
TRIGGER-WARNING: Vivid descriptions of death and dead bodies.
One of the most exciting things about writing is being able to use your imagination to create whatever story or situation you want. Oftentimes, when writing a story that isn't in a high fantasy setting, research is a big part of the process. Because besides fantasy, a lot of books are so well-informed and researched that they could just be real if you suspend your disbelief a bit. If you're a writer, you know how gnarly your search history can sometimes be. Especially when dealing with murder and death.
So in today's article I'll tell you how human bodies actually decompose, with a timeline and what to expect (and write down) about your very own dead body so that your search history can stay clean. Additionally, I've laid out environmental factors that influence the process and how different types of deaths change what happens to the body.
Stages of decomposition
The decomposition of human bodies occurs in several stages, each with distinct characteristics in terms of appearance and smell. The timeline can vary based on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to the elements.
0-3 Days: Fresh Stage
Appearance: Initially, the body appears mostly unchanged externally. The skin may start to look slightly pale or purplish, particularly in areas where blood has settled (livor mortis). The eyes might become cloudy, and rigor mortis (stiffening of muscles) begins within the first 24 hours.
Smell: At this stage, there is minimal smell. However, a faint, sweetish odor might start to be noticeable as internal decomposition processes begin.
2-6 Days: Bloat Stage
Appearance: The body starts to bloat due to the accumulation of gases produced by bacteria in the intestines. This causes the abdomen to swell and may lead to the skin stretching and tearing. The skin can turn a greenish color, especially in the lower abdomen, due to the production of sulfur compounds. Blisters may form on the skin, and fluids can start to leak from body orifices.
Smell: The odor becomes strong and unmistakable, characterized by the foul stench of putrefaction. This is caused by the release of gases like cadaverine and putrescine.
5-11 Days: Active Decay
Appearance: The body begins to collapse as the gases escape, and the tissues become liquid. The skin can turn black as a result of the breakdown of blood and other internal structures. Maggots and other insects are typically present, actively consuming the soft tissues. The body may lose its shape as decomposition progresses, and the internal organs begin to disintegrate.
Smell: The smell is intensely foul, often described as a sickeningly sweet odor mixed with a rancid, decaying scent. The presence of maggots and other scavengers can also contribute to the smell.
10-24 Days: Advanced Decay
Appearance: The body undergoes significant reduction in mass as most of the soft tissues are broken down. Bones and cartilage become more prominent as the flesh is consumed. The skin, if still present, is dry and leathery. The decomposition is more pronounced in exposed areas, while sheltered parts of the body may decompose more slowly.
Smell: The odor starts to diminish but is still present, taking on a more earthy, musty quality as the majority of the soft tissues have decomposed. Fewer insects are visible, as the primary stages of consumption are nearing completion.
3 Weeks+: Dry/Skeletal Stage
Appearance: The body is largely reduced to bones, with some dry skin, cartilage, and hair possibly remaining. In dry environments, mummification can occur, preserving some tissues. Bones may be discolored from the decomposition process and can be scattered by scavengers if the body is exposed.
Smell: Little to no smell remains, as most of the organic material has either decomposed or dried out. Any remaining odor is faint and more akin to dry, musty earth.
Environmental Factors Affecting Decomposition
Temperature
High Temperatures:
Acceleration of Decomposition: Warm climates provide an ideal environment for bacteria and insects, significantly speeding up the decomposition process. In such conditions, the bloat stage can begin within a day due to rapid bacterial activity.
Rapid Bloat: The buildup of gases within the body happens quickly, causing pronounced bloating and swelling.
Insect Activity: Flies and other insects are more active in warm weather, laying eggs that hatch into maggots which consume soft tissues at an accelerated rate.
Low Temperatures:
Preservation: Cold temperatures slow down bacterial activity and the metabolic processes of insects, which in turn slows the decomposition process. In very cold environments, bodies can be preserved for weeks, months, or even years, with minimal signs of decay.
Freezing: In sub-zero temperatures, bodies can freeze, halting decomposition entirely. Frozen bodies remain largely intact until they thaw, at which point decomposition resumes.
Humidity
High Humidity:
Enhanced Bacterial and Insect Activity: Moist environments provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and insects, both of which are crucial to the decomposition process. The combination of warmth and moisture leads to rapid tissue breakdown.
Rapid Putrefaction: Moist conditions facilitate the quicker production of putrefactive gases, intensifying the bloating and discoloration stages.
Mold and Fungi: High humidity also promotes the growth of mold and fungi on the body, which further contributes to the breakdown of tissues.
Low Humidity:
Mummification: In arid conditions, the lack of moisture inhibits bacterial activity. Instead of decomposing, bodies may dry out and mummify. The skin becomes leathery, and internal organs shrink but remain preserved.
Slower Decomposition: The overall rate of decomposition is significantly slowed in dry environments due to the absence of moisture necessary for bacterial growth and insect activity.
Exposure
Exposed Bodies:
Faster Decomposition: Bodies left in the open are subjected to the elements, leading to a faster rate of decomposition. Sunlight can cause drying and bleaching of tissues, while rain and wind can aid in the physical breakdown of the body.
Scavengers: Animals and birds can access exposed bodies, accelerating decomposition through scavenging. This can result in bones being scattered and tissues being consumed quickly.
Insects: Exposed bodies attract insects rapidly. Blowflies are often the first to arrive, laying eggs that hatch into maggots, which then feed on the soft tissues.
Protected Bodies:
Slower Decomposition: Bodies that are buried, submerged, or otherwise protected decompose more slowly. Soil, water, or coverings create a barrier that slows down bacterial and insect activity.
Variable Conditions: The degree of protection affects the rate of decomposition. For example, shallow graves allow more insect access than deep ones, and bodies submerged in water may decompose differently depending on the temperature and type of water (fresh vs. saltwater).
Limited Scavenging: Protected bodies are less likely to be disturbed by scavengers, resulting in a more gradual decomposition process confined largely to bacterial activity.
Decomposition Differentiations for Different Types of Deaths
Gunshot Wounds
Initial Appearance: Gunshot wounds typically leave entry and sometimes exit wounds, characterized by the tearing and bruising of tissue. There may be blood pooling around the wounds.
Decomposition Progression:
Fresh Stage (0-3 Days): Blood around the wounds may coagulate, and the skin may show early signs of livor mortis (purplish discoloration). Slightly pale skin with minimal smell.
Bloat Stage (2-6 Days): The body bloats, and the gunshot wounds may become more pronounced as the skin stretches. Greenish discoloration around the wounds due to bacterial activity.
Active Decay (5-11 Days): Wounds may become larger due to maggot activity, which is attracted to the open tissue. The area around the wounds can turn black. Intense foul odor with visible maggots.
Advanced Decay (10-24 Days): Significant tissue loss around the wounds, with bones potentially becoming visible.
Dry/Skeletal Stage (3 Weeks+): Wounds are less distinguishable, with bones and dry tissues remaining.
Stabbing Wounds
Initial Appearance: Stabbing wounds appear as deep cuts or punctures, often with significant blood loss.
Decomposition Progression:
Fresh Stage (0-3 Days): Stabbing sites may show livor mortis, with bruising and coagulated blood. Minimal smell.
Bloat Stage (2-6 Days): Body bloats, and wounds may gape open as the skin stretches. Greenish discoloration around the wounds.
Active Decay (5-11 Days): Wounds become more prominent with maggot activity. Blackened skin around wounds with intense foul odor.
Advanced Decay (10-24 Days): Major tissue loss around the wounds, with bones possibly exposed.
Dry/Skeletal Stage (3 Weeks+): Wounds are less distinct, with mostly bones and dry tissues.
Strangulation
Initial Appearance: Signs of strangulation include bruising around the neck, petechiae (small red or purple spots) in the eyes, and potential fractures in the neck area.
Decomposition Progression:
Fresh Stage (0-3 Days): Neck bruising and petechiae become more visible. Minimal smell.
Bloat Stage (2-6 Days): Neck swelling due to gas buildup, with greenish discoloration.
Active Decay (5-11 Days): Maggot activity around the neck area, with blackened skin and intense foul odor.
Advanced Decay (10-24 Days): Significant tissue loss, with possible exposure of neck structures.
Dry/Skeletal Stage (3 Weeks+): Neck area may show bone and cartilage, with dry tissues remaining.
Drowning
Initial Appearance: Drowning victims often have foam around the mouth and nostrils, and waterlogged lungs.
Decomposition Progression:
Fresh Stage (0-3 Days): Foam may still be present, with minimal smell. Skin may appear pale or bluish.
Bloat Stage (2-6 Days): Body bloats significantly, especially in water. Skin slippage can occur.
Active Decay (5-11 Days): Skin may peel off easily, and aquatic insects or scavengers may begin consuming the body. Foul odor.
Advanced Decay (10-24 Days): Further tissue breakdown, with bones potentially visible.
Dry/Skeletal Stage (3 Weeks+): Bones and dry tissues may remain, often scattered by aquatic activity.
Electric Shock
Initial Appearance: Electric shock victims may have burn marks at the entry and exit points of the current, along with potential internal injuries.
Decomposition Progression:
Fresh Stage (0-3 Days): Burn marks and internal damage may not be immediately visible. Minimal smell.
Bloat Stage (2-6 Days): Body bloats, and burn areas may show increased discoloration.
Active Decay (5-11 Days): Maggots may be attracted to burn sites. Skin blackens around burns. Intense foul odor.
Advanced Decay (10-24 Days): Tissue around burns breaks down, with bones potentially exposed.
Dry/Skeletal Stage (3 Weeks+): Burns may be less distinguishable, with bones and dry tissues remaining.
Burned by Fire
Initial Appearance: Fire victims exhibit charred skin, with severe burns and potential bone exposure.
Decomposition Progression:
Fresh Stage (0-3 Days): Charred appearance with minimal smell.
Bloat Stage (2-6 Days): Bloated body with continued discoloration and possible blistering of less burned areas.
Active Decay (5-11 Days): Charred skin may crack and peel, with maggot activity in less burned regions. Foul odor.
Advanced Decay (10-24 Days): Further breakdown of tissues, with significant exposure of bones.
Dry/Skeletal Stage (3 Weeks+): Mostly bones and dry, charred tissues remaining.
Poisoned
Initial Appearance: Poisoning can leave various signs depending on the poison, such as discoloration, foaming, or internal bleeding.
Decomposition Progression:
Fresh Stage (0-3 Days): Specific signs of poisoning (like foaming or discoloration) may still be present. Minimal smell.
Bloat Stage (2-6 Days): Body bloats, with greenish discoloration. Poison-induced discoloration may persist.
Active Decay (5-11 Days): Internal damage from the poison accelerates decomposition. Intense foul odor.
Advanced Decay (10-24 Days): Significant tissue breakdown, with internal structures decomposing rapidly.
Dry/Skeletal Stage (3 Weeks+): Bones and dry tissues remain, with poison signs less distinguishable.
Hanging
Initial Appearance: Hanging victims typically show ligature marks around the neck, with potential neck fractures and petechiae in the eyes.
Decomposition Progression:
Fresh Stage (0-3 Days): Ligature marks and bruising around the neck, with minimal smell.
Bloat Stage (2-6 Days): Body bloats, with pronounced neck swelling and greenish discoloration around the ligature marks.
Active Decay (5-11 Days): Maggot activity around the neck, with blackened skin. Intense foul odor.
Advanced Decay (10-24 Days): Further tissue breakdown, with neck structures potentially exposed.
Dry/Skeletal Stage (3 Weeks+): Ligature marks less visible, with bones and dry tissues remaining.
Jake Zuurbier, born in 2002, is a writer with a broad background. With a degree in both Business and Management, his work in writing is combined with a business in books & home decor, sports clothing & gear and multiple forms of other output like music or meditations. He has worked jobs in retail and horeca, ranging from working kitchen in a hotel-restaurant to a floor manager position in a clothing store.
In his free time, he is just as occupied. Photography, weight lifting, kickboxing, cooking and reading are amongst his hobbies.
To learn more, or get in contact, visit www.apolloimperium.com/jakezuurbier
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