Comments on: “Human Litter Boxes�?

By: MeanDonnaJean

MeanDonnaJean — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 02:29:55 +0000

“I could publish a textbook of those photos to help prepare others to experience this unexpected aspect of death investigation.”

Now, that’ll be one book DEFINITELY worth lookin’ at.

Jeez, I just can’t get enuff of yer stuff!

By: Cyndi

Cyndi — Wed, 08 Mar 2006 20:35:41 +0000

Speaking of litter boxes…I have heard that fecal matter has been collected to tie a particular suspect to a crime scene on several ocassions, but how does one collect fecal evidence? Like what collection procedures are used?

Cyndi,

I’ve never seen it collected myself, but it seems like I’ve heard of it happening before. Something to do with fecal matter being left at a scene by a suspect and being collected for the purposes of extrating genetic material that could be traced back to a particular person. I have no idea what collection procedures are used. I would guess a plastic specimen cup, but a crime scene technician would be able to give you a more accurate answer. I’ve never had cause to collect feces. From a medicolegal standpoint, fecal matter at a scene wouldn’t serve much purpose in determining cause of death. The body itself and the specimens collected from it should be all that’s needed. On the other hand, I have collected masticated pills from vomitous before.

A Douglas

By: Brandon

Brandon — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 18:11:02 +0000

I am in college studying to become a crime scene investigator and was just wondering how I can obtain pictures of what you consider “human litter boxes.”

Brandon,

Maybe an internet search for filthy houses. I can’t post any of “mine” as they are the property of the state.

A Douglas

By: Jerry

Jerry — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 12:11:05 +0000

As a fellow Coroner Investigator, I have to say that I enjoy your stories and reports. After reading this letter on “Human Litter Boxes” I can really relate but I must say you almost made the descriptions too clean. There is nothing like working your way through a pack rat house to get to the body. Or throwing the clutter out of the way to create a path to drag the body out of the residence. I remember one scene where walking though the house involved traversing three foot deep junk. We actually walked out on top of a desk and dresser while removing the decedent, because they provided the surest footing.

Keep up the wonderful letters

By: Meg

Meg — Thu, 03 Mar 2005 17:27:18 +0000

*sigh* That’s the type of house my step-children came out of when we got custody, finally.

By: panthergirl

panthergirl — Tue, 01 Mar 2005 13:09:42 +0000

LOL…now I know I should make sure my house is “coroner presentable” at all times. Love reading your blog.

By: dotbar

dotbar — Sat, 26 Feb 2005 05:34:28 +0000

Well at least I don’t feel so bad about my house. It isn’t that bad! Phew, now I can go ahead and “pass on” in peace. Thanks!

By: Charles

Charles — Fri, 25 Feb 2005 04:21:01 +0000

I will NEVER be able to leave my house with a dish in the sink anymore. lol Something else to obsess on. If someone should die, not me O lord, in my house, the investigators will be dissing the kitchen. lol Nice post.

By: Terri Poposky

Terri Poposky — Wed, 23 Feb 2005 23:04:38 +0000

Maybe you should take pictures. It would be interesting at least. I’m not really surprised about how gross some people’s homes are. I think that if I left my teenage son’s room alone for a few months it would have rotting food and maggots everywhere.

By: Douglas

Douglas — Mon, 21 Feb 2005 20:00:44 +0000

Not exactly where you were going with this post, but when you mentioned the ceiling fan with dog hairs all I could think of was, “Oooo oooo! Fibers! Now they can solve the crime.”

If CSI has taught me nothing, it has taught me at least that all Hollywood crime boils down to fibers. No wonder those vinyl fetishists never get caught.