Forensic Entomology is primarily used to estimate the minimum time since colonization of a body, either human or animal, in order to infer the minimum elapsed time since death. Carrion insects colonize remains immediately after death, if the conditions are appropriate. Their development in the body and their succession over time is predictable so can indicate the minimum tenure of insects on the remains and hence the minimum time since death. Time of death is extremely important in homicide investigations and can be used to support or refute an alibi. This talk will focus on how understanding time of death can be vitally important in reversing wrongful convictions of homicide.

The Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute (NRESi) at UNBC hosts weekly lecture series at the Prince George campus. Anyone from the university or wider community with interest in the topic is welcome to attend. Go to http://www.unbc.ca/nres-institute/colloquium webcasts to view the presentation remotely.

Past NRESi colloquium presentations and special lectures can be viewed on our video archive, available here.