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.