Autopsies 101: Info for Writers

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English: Skull and crossbones (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“The ambulance guys think he died of anaphylactic shock,” the young policeman’s partner confided to Sean, as they took the body out. “Looks like the seafood did for him. You wouldn’t think prawns were dangerous, would you? Anyway, no foul play, so everyone can relax. Of course, there’ll have to be an autopsy.”

Excerpt ~ Chaos Is Come Again

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So someone is dead. The body was collected. And now you're at the point where your plot needs scientific data. Decisions must be made.

All deaths are given a CAUSE and a MANNER. Though either or both can be listed as unknown. This is particularly true if the remains have decayed substantially. (See skeletal remains HERE)

Why = cause of death - what trauma or happening terminated the
            person's life?

How = manner of death

* In most of US there are only five reasons for a death:
1. Natural
2. Accidental
3. Homicide
4. Suicide
5. Unknown
In some states a 6th manner is:
6. Therapeutic - this relates to a death that is the result of a medical intervention

Ultimately, it is the CORONER or MEDICAL EXAMINER (this depends on the location) who makes the decision about what is listed as the cause and manner of the death. 

The CSIs, anthropologists etc. inform the Coroner or Medical Examiner by presenting their scientific findings.

Only about 1/2 of the United States uses the coroner system. A coroner is an elected county official who may or may not be a medical doctors. 

Go HERE for more information. 

It is usually a part time job with a small income.

Only 4 states require their coroners to be medical doctors: Ohio, Kansas, Louisiana, North Dakota

Because coroners are often elected officials, there are often problems with on-going cases and transferring/losing files. This might be a good place to twist your investigatory plot.

The coroners do not do autopsies. Their job is to certified deaths in their jurisdiction and order an autopsy when one is required. Smaller jurisdictions will contract with larger areas to do their autopsies. 

Some states have opted out of the coroner system and use instead a MEDICAL EXAMINER or MEDICAL INVESTIGATOR. So you will want to do some research into the state/jurisdiction in which the body is found in your plot line.

For more information go HERE.

ME or MI are usually appointed individuals with educational backgrounds in medicine and death investigation. 


Autopsies are conducted by MD and DO who have specialized training.

• Pathologists with specialized training in understanding the   disease and traumas in/on a body such as
• High energy impact   
• Stabbings 
• Gun shot wounds   
• Poisons
• They need to be able to tell what was a disease prior to death and what was a trauma that created the death.

In the Morgue

•  The body is logged in.
•  Anything that came with them is catalogued.
•  The body is weighed and measured.
•  The pathologist and coroner will decide on the timing of the autopsy. Is this an urgent case? Should it be bumped to
• The front of the line? For example, is there is a killer on the loose?
• The police might need the findings quicker than if they are looking at a probably heart attack.
• The body is then stored in a cooler.

The Autopsy - 

• Performed on bodies in the early stages of decay.
• In bigger offices, consultations often happen. They often have   regular meetings to discuss various cases. So you could plot   different individuals with varying backgrounds weighing in.

External Exam

• A complete external exam is conducted clothes
• Notes and photographs are taken
• This initial exam is very important because the condition of the body is about to be forever changed.
• Looking for trace evidence like 
• gunpowder residue (go HERE) 
• fiber evidence 
•  Once collected the trace evidence will be sent to a crime    Laboratory for further investigation.
• Whole body X-rays can be taken to look for broken bones,  foreign objects such as bullets, and previous surgical hardware  that might be helpful in identification of an unknown body.
• Then the clothes are removed. 
• Further tests are performed.
• They look for other hair - ex. they might comb the pubis looking for pubic hair as a part of a rape kit. (hair forensics HERE)
• They might take fluid samples. For example, they might look For/collect semen in the vagina or anus. (serology forensics HERE)
• Once all trace evidence is collected the body will be washed if it is needed.
• A second external exam takes place, with photography of surface trauma. Also, anything that might be useful in determining identity such as past scarring, and tattoos.
• Sometimes they will take fingerprints which they run through IAFIS (fingerprint forensics go HERE)

Internal Exam

• Y incision from clavicle to sternum, and then down to the pubic bone.
• Skin is pulled back and the ribs will be examined
• A rib spreader and scalpel are used to expose the organs under the rib cage and sternum
• A visual  exam is done first called an In Situ exam.
• Individual organs are removed.
• Each organ is weighed, measured.
• Tissue samples are processed and turned into microscope slides for viewing by slicing them with a  microtome. The exam is called a histological exam.
• Fluids are collected for the toxicology lab (go HERE). The fluids might also be sent to labs to look for bacteria and viruses (this is NOT routine).
• Brain - the scalp is cut and pulled down over the face (so that it can be put back in place if the family wants to have an open casket funeral.) A bone saw cuts open the skull cap. The brain can be examined in place and/or can be removed. This is processed differently than organs. 
• Sometimes the skin on the limbs is opened to see if there are   signs of trauma beneath the skin. In people with dark skin, for   example, bruising is not always as obvious on the surface of  the skin.

Finishing Up

Once all of the tests are run, the pathologist moves on to the next body. The morgue attendants close up the body.

• The organs are put in a plastic bag and placed in the cavity so the body doesn't look deflated - they are not in their anatomical position.
• Skull cap is replaced
• Sutures are put in place to close the skin.

The Family -

• On occasion will need to identify the body
• Also works to with the coroner/pathologist to get the medical and dental records to the staff.
• Will give permission to harvest organs for donation if the organs are still viable.

The body is released to the funeral home if they know the name of the remains. If the remains are unidentified, then a decision is made on how long/what the officials will do with the remains.

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Terrorism 101: Information for Writers with Corporal Allen Norton

DISCLAIMER - This is a non-political site that is geared to help writers write it right. I am presenting information to help develop fictional characters and fictional scenes. In no way am I advocating any position or personal decision.

This article is the first article in a planned series on terrorism with ThrillWriting's guest, Corporal Allen Norton. I was so excited to have met the very knowledgeable and entertaining Cpl. Norton at a lecture on terrorism. He had the room transfixed. 

Fiona - 

Corporal Allen Norton

Corporal Allen, thank you so much for sharing your information with us. Can we start with an introduction of your background? How did you come to be an anti-terrorism instructor?

Cpl. Norton - 
In 2007, I graduated from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell with a certification in Homeland Security and also graduated from Columbia Southern University with a degree in Criminal Justice. I've attended the National Center for Bio-medical Research and Training through Louisiana State University and recently graduated from the University of St. Andrews, where I obtained a Global Certification as a Terrorism Specialist. In addition, I am a recognized Certified Homeland Protection Professional (C.H.P.P.) I obtained this certification through the National Sheriffs Association and the National Domestic Preparedness Coalition.

The Commonwealth of Virginia has employed me for 11 years. In my time with the Commonwealth, I served as a Task Force Officer for the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) for 2 years.  I currently teach an Evolution of Terrorism program, other various terrorism classes, that includes Sovereign Citizens, and History of Islam class, at the local and regional police academies. I personally designed all of the classes. In addition, I own GDSI Intelligence and Training.

GDSI Intelligence and Training - website link
and on Facebook - click here

Fiona - 
You had a very personal brush with terror.

Cpl. Norton - 
I was supposed to be in the World Trade Center on 9/11 for a meeting. At the time, I served as Director of Security for three resorts in the Poconos. Fortunately, I overslept that morning.

Fiona - 
Very fortunate!

We met at a lecture, and the very first thing that you pointed out was that every government agency has their own definition of terrorism. Is there a reason that we do not have a national definition? How does this pose problems in working across agencies? 

Cpl. Norton - 
I cannot give a 100% definite reason as to why each agency and state has their own definition. My guess would be that each government agency wants to be the one to determine what it is. Like the rivalry between police and fire, each wants to be in control of the scene. 

The major issue is that working for an agency, you have to be able to enforce the laws of that agency. It is hard for individuals that serve on different task forces. They have to be very mindful of the capacity that they are serving in, and enforce that agencies definition. 

Fiona - 
Can you sift the definition down to one so that we can get a basic understanding as it applies to the U.S.?

Cpl. Norton - 
My personal favorite is the one offered by the Department of Defense, which states: 

Terrorism is the unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence against individuals or property to coerce or intimidate governments or societies, often to achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives. 

This definition is my favorite because it lists religious, something that most of the others fail to list. The significance is that in this day and age, there is probably a 5:1 ratio of religious groups to political groups. 

Amazingly, there is only one definition for domestic terrorism, which is:

Extreme force and violence perpetrated by residents of a country, within that country, for the purpose of coercing its government and population into modifying its behavior.

Fiona - 
How do they decide who has control over the case? Who maintains jurisdiction?

Cpl. Norton - 
The problem with most terrorist activities here in the U.S. we list the activities as criminal acts. Only once we've established a link between an event and a terrorist organization, are the FBI usually involved. In all terrorism cases here in the U.S., the FBI gets the lead. All terrorism cases that affect U.S. interests overseas the CIA gets the lead. 

Another issue that makes it difficult to determine who has jurisdiction is that we see gangs using terrorist tactics, and terrorists using gang tactics. The FBI, however, does do a good job serving as a go-to resource to help determine what agencies have jurisdiction.

Fiona - 
I was fascinated to learn that terrorism runs on a business plan and provides benefits. I am not talking about the virgins-in-the-sky kind of benefits either, I am talking about vacation pay. Can you talk about terrorism - both domestic and foreign as a business model?

Cpl. Norton -
One of the definitions of business is "an occupation, profession or trade." For most terrorist organizations what they are trying to accomplish, whether it be religious or political, they see as an occupation for God or the people. They are doing their work. Therefore, they are working for them. Domestic terrorism is less of a business than the international terrorist groups. Practically all of the domestic terrorists have regular jobs that they do.

Al-Qaeda, for example, does operate as a business. They, as well as other organizations, still promise 72 virgins, the chance to live in the lands of milk and honey, and they get to touch the face of God. 

These perks are only for males though; women get family redemption.

Fiona - 
Family redemption? I mean that is a nice gesture and everything... but there are other things that might entice me a bit more.

Cpl. Norton - 
Understand that family redemption for women is very important in the Islamic religion. 

Most of these women are raped into the organizations, therefore, making them impure. The only way they can purify themselves, and be right for God, is to do His bidding (as they are told).

There are many ways to entice women, but the most popular are:
* They are raped-in 
* They want family redemption 
* They have lost family to the enemy and want revenge 
* Or in many cases, they want to prove that they can fight and die
    just as well as a man can. 
* Some women are romantically involved with members of the
    organization, and it is just natural that they join.

Fiona - 
Let's do a little myth-busting. 

Cpl. Norton - 
Myths of Terrorism -

1. Terrorism is a new tactic.
    Terrorism can be traced to biblical times, but the first time it was
     used in the context we use it today was 1792 during the French
     Revolution. A British scholar said, "What is
     happening in France is terroristic."

2. One person’s terrorist is another person’s liberator. 
    That statement is in the eye of the beholder. If you ask a terrorist

     group if they are terrorists 9 out of 10 times they will say no.

     They will call themselves Freedom Fighters or Liberators. 

     Therefore the term is very political loaded. 

    Terrorism itself is part of a strategy. No one goes out and says, "I
    am going to terrorize people." It is a tactic that is used to reach
    one's goals.
   
3. Historically, terrorism has been assumed to be a left
    wing/revolutionary phenomena. 
    Right wing wants a return to a previous time.
    Left wing wants to  create a new reality.
    The reality is that there is a 5:1 Right wing to left wing terrorist
    ratio right now  

4. Terrorism is highly effective 
     No, it is part of a strategy. It is also important to realize that
     when terrorists receive what they are asking for, they will not
     stop and be happy. They will continue to do what they do, but
     next time ask for more. 

5. Terrorists are idealistic – 
    Terrorists use their ideology to gain power.

6. Humane behavior is sacrificed for revolutionary goals.
    The goal is power. 

7. Terrorism is for the poor.
    In reality, the people with high status within and organization
    come from very wealthy families.


Fiona -     
You have a list of the planning stage steps that all terror acts follow. 

Cpl. Norton - 
Yes, every terrorist organization uses this planning cycle:

Planning cycle  

• Broad target selection 
• Intelligence and surveillance 
• Specific target selection 
• Pre-attack surveillance and planning 
• Attack rehearsal  
• Actions on the objective 
• Escape and exploitation

Fiona - 
What is the point of no return? Where do the good guys usually catch the cell's planning?

Cpl. Norton - 
Catching a terrorist event before it happens is the ultimate goal. However, for the good guys to completely disrupt the event, it has to be caught before the attack rehearsal. Once the terrorists have all of the information, it's almost impossible to stop,  If we are able to disrupt the attack during the rehearsal stage, the terrorists already have all the information they need. If we arrest a group, then the terrorist organization simply finds others to train. Anytime you can foil it before then; they have to start all over. They have to be lucky once, we have to be lucky always.

Fiona - 
Can we talk about ideology and how they get the message out to possible followers?

Cpl. Norton -
Ideology is at the heart of all major decisions and choices the terrorist group makes. The avenues terrorist use to spread their ideology are: 
* Mass media
* Internet 
* Political fronts
* Literature dissemination 
One of the biggest recruiting tools is Social Media. Moreover, there are no laws against that.

Fiona - 
What are the usual tactics that terrorists use? Also, who are the targets? 

Cpl. Norton - 

The 6 Traditional Tactics: 

* Arson 
* Assault 
* Bombing 
* Hijacking 
* Hostage taking 
* Kidnapping 

Newer Tactics: 

* Threat-Hoax 
* Raid or Ambush 
* Seizure 
* Assassination 
* Weapons of Mass Destruction

Targets: 

* Governments 
* People 
* Other countries and their people


Fiona - 
Thank you so much, Cpl. Norton. I am so looking forward to learning more in this series. 

Also, thanks to you writers who do their research here on ThrillWriting. Hopefully, this has given you some plotting points for your WIP. While this article is only the first in a series, if you have a question or comment, please leave it below. The comments are moderated to block SPAM, so it will go up ASAP. In the meantime, if you find this resource to be helpful, I would appreciate your spreading the word. I've placed some handy-dandy social media buttons below.

Cheers,
Fiona

Drugging Your Character - Date Rape Drug Information for Writers

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 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

DISCLAIMER - This is a non-political site that is geared to help writers write it right. I am presenting information to help develop fictional characters and fictional scenes. In no way am I advocating any position or personal decision. 

Some statistics indicate that 40% of all sexual assaults are due to date rape, that 1 in 3 women experience an assault - as many as 1 in 4 women are successfully assaulted. 

Related blogs:
How a Predator Courts his victim
The NEW rape definition - makes it easier to send the perp to prison

So some personal information - 

I have two personal connections to these drugs. One had a "as good as it could get under the circumstances" outcome and one did not.

The first.
I was at a frat party as a young college girl - and had never heard of date rape drugs. But with my very first drink that particular night, I was out of my head drunk and passing out. Luckily, my friend, Suzie, saw me and kept me safe. I was taken to a hospital and diagnosed with Rohypnol poisoning.

The second.
Suzie went to Switzerland with another friend. One night at a pub, Suzie went to the ladies' room, and when she came back, her travel buddy was gone. Just gone. No one saw the girl get up and leave. After 24 hours, the police got involved. They dragged the lake and found the girl's body. Later, the police disclosed the bar video of a man's hand moving over both of their drinks. Suzie was saved by her trip to the ladies' room  prior to sipping her drink. The long line meant Suzie wasn't there to see her friend's symptoms or to see the two men "escorting" her friend out the door.

So let's start off by keeping your character safe (or reverse if your plot line needs her in trouble):

1. Don't let her drink anything
    that she didn't see poured or that

Cosmopolitan (cocktail) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    she didn't open 
    herself (unless
    it's via a waiter).
2. Don't let her drink
   from a punch bowl.
3. Always have her
    watch her drink (rest
    her hand over the
    top of her glass or
    leave a napkin or
    coaster over the 
    top).
4. Have your
    character take her glass with her to the ladies' room. 
5. If she gets up to dance, she should get a fresh drink when she
    gets back to the table (yes, even if your character is drinking 
    water or a soft drink).
6. If your character thinks she's been drugged, she should ask for
    help immediately (preferably not from a stranger) her window is
    small between awareness of something odd happening and
    inability. She should be taken to an Emergency Room and a
    toxicology report taken.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

ALCOHOL - 

* Is the #1 date rape drug effecting almost 50% of sexual assaults.

ROHYPNOL - Roofies

* A white tablet or green tablet. The green tablets dissolve slowly
   and may leave particles at the bottom of the glass and will turn
   the drink blue (this was a safety feature added by the
    manufacturer to try to prevent the drug from being used for date
   rape. Go ROCHE!) Bitter taste (possible).
* Works in 15- 20 minutes effects last 8 -12 hours

Health risks for your character:

* Nausea
* Slurred speech/problems talking
* Muscle relaxation/loss of motor 
   control
* Drunk feeling
* Confusion
* Problems seeing
* Dizziness/sleepiness
* Loss of memory of events that took
   place while under the influence of the
   drug
* Unlikely to be fatal though the risk
   increases with other drugs (recreational or prescription), alcohol
   levels, pre-existing conditions such as type 1 diabetes, respiratory
   issues such as asthma, and circulatory issues. 
* This drug works by suppressing the central nervous system and
   respiratory systems.
* It passes out of the system in 24 hours.

GAMMA HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID (GHB) - Cherry Meth

*Originally used by weight lifters to stimulate muscle growth. It
  comes as a clear liquid, a white powder, a tablet or capsule form. 
  Odorless, and nearly tasteless - it can also taste salty -
  though almost undetectable when mixed into a drink.
*Takes effect in 15 - 30 minutes and can last 3-6 hours.
*Usually made at home or in "street labs"

Health Risks for Your Character

* Relaxation
* Drowsiness
* Dizziness
* Blacking out
* Seizures
* Not remembering what happened under the influence of the drug.
* Problems breathing
* Sweating
* Vomiting
* Slow heart rate
* Dreaming feeling
* Coma
* Death

KETAMINE - AKA Special K

*A powerful hallucinogen originally used as an animal tranquilizer.
  Frequently found in a powder form that is sprinkled over
  marijuana or tobacco (so this drug doesn't have to go into a drink)
  but can also be found in a clear liquid form.                                          

Health Risks to Your Character 

* Distorted vision and hearing
* Lost sense of time and identity
* Dream-like out of body experiences
* Feeling out of control
* Impaired motor functioning
* Problems breathing 
* Convulsions
* Vomiting
* Memory loss
* Aggressive or violent behavior                                                                  
* Depression
* Slurred speech
* High blood pressure

WANT TO SEE THIS ARTICLE 
IN ACTION?  Read MINE

Video Quick Study

Drink Savvy - preventing date rape products
Crisis Interventionist Talks About 3 Major Date Rape Drugs, Preventitive Strategies

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Thank you so much for stopping by. And thank you for your support. When you buy my books, you make it possible for me to continue to bring you helpful articles and keep ThrillWriting free and accessible to all.