Using Ninhydrin to Reconstruct a Disturbed Outdoor Death Scene

Ninhydrin reacts with various nitrogen-containing compounds, including some that are released from a body during decomposition. Previous research has shown that ninhydrin can be used to identify gravesoils, however, its potential value in death scene reconstruction has not been previously demonstrated. To explore this possibility, the concentration of ninhydrin-reactive nitrogen (NRN) was measured in soil associated with a scavenged death scene where the remains had been scattered. Levels of NRN in the decomposition area were 7 to 13 times higher than in other areas of the scene (under lower body, upper limb, manure and fecal matter, scalp) after more than a four-month postmortem interval. The ability to reconstruct the scene was enhanced, as this measure identif ied the most probable location of death and decomposition prior to disturbance.