Discovery History
Developing a decedent profile begins with examining and documenting the circumstances under which the death was discovered. The medicolegal death investigator (MDI) is responsible for producing thorough and precise records detailing how and when the decedent was found. Clear documentation at this stage establishes an important foundation for the overall investigation.
Circumstances of Death
Understanding events leading up to the decedent’s death is critical in determining both cause and manner. Documentation of any medical interventions, as well as collection of antemortem specimens, provides insight into the decedent’s health status prior to death. Accurate records regarding medical treatment and situational context can help differentiate natural or therapeutic factors from trauma or other external influences, supporting a more precise determination of cause and manner of death.
Medical History
A detailed medical history helps narrow potential causes of death and contributes to the interpretation of scene findings. Comprehensive medical documentation, specific to the medicolegal investigation, offers important context and informs case disposition. Relevant medical information may be obtained from a variety of sources, including personal health records, family caregivers, EMS personnel, emergency departments, hospitals, medical offices, correctional facilities, nursing homes, hospice services, and assisted living facilities.
Mental Health History
The decedent’s mental health history and antemortem status can provide critical context for understanding cause and manner of death. Knowledge of prior psychiatric conditions, treatment history, and mental state at or near the time of death can aid in evaluating scene findings and identifying contributing factors, thereby supporting a thorough and accurate investigation.
Social History
Social history encompasses familial, occupational, and recreational aspects of the decedent’s life, offering valuable context for interpreting the circumstances surrounding death. Key considerations may include marital and domestic relationships, sexual orientation and gender identity, employment and financial history, daily routines and personal habits, correspondence, educational background, criminal history and incarceration records, legal matters, and substance use or treatment history. For dependent populations—such as children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities—additional care must be taken to accurately interpret social history, as these individuals may rely on others to communicate or document aspects of their lives. Circumstantial information gathered from multiple sources should be verified whenever possible to ensure reliability and to assist in the accurate determination of cause, manner, and circumstances of death.
