The 2/13/13 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episode "Exile" reminded me how important the role of the Medical Examiner is in an investigation.
They begin with an external examination. They look for trace evidence like fibers or hairs and for foreign substances on the outside of the body that could be potential evidence. They document scars and tattoos which could assist in identification. They may take fingerprints or check dental records for positive identification.
Then they should do a work up on any injuries, wounds, bruises, scrapes, etc. that may help tell the story of the demise of the victim. These findings may help to determine a potential weapon or at least a possible shape, weight, and size of the weapon. The location and depth of wounds may help to indicate a right or left handed perpetrator and the strength necessary to create the wounds.
Internal examination will help to exclude natural causes as the reason for the death and also further documents the injuries caused by unnatural means. The tissue and potential bleeding under the surface of a bruise or a cut may be viewed to help determine a potential time line or a potential action needed to create this damage. The viewing of the windpipe may determine soot or stomach acid or poison.
Stomach contents may assist in a time line, possibly establishing what was eaten and how far along digestion has developed.
If the Medical Examiner responds to the scene then things like rigor mortis (the stiffening of the body muscles), livor mortis (the settling of the blood in the body which creates a purple color), and algor mortis (the internal body temperature) also help to establish the PMI (post mortem interval - time since death).
Of course, their training in medical aspects help with the interpretation of things like the influence of blood loss and shock in relation to the state of the body. Questions like: Could the victim have been mobile after the injuries? How long could the victim live with these injuries? Which wounds are fatal? may be answered by the Medical Examiner.
Yes, it is always beneficial to have a good working relationship with the Medical Examiner!
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