SCHOOL OF LAW, ECONOMICS AND GOVERNMENT

DEPARTMENT OF FORENSIC SCIENCE

LECTURER NAME: PROF PEMBA

STUDENT NAME: YAMIKANI CHIWATO

REG NUMBER: BSOC-LE-12-19

MODULE TITLE: FORENSIC EMTOMOLOGY

MODULE CODE: LML413

DUE DATE: 20 OCT, 2023

QUESTION

(1). Has the legal and law enforcement system ever used forensic entomology in any case? If
yes describe the case and give references where details can be accessed.

(2). As a professional in the law enforcement, give two cases you might have handled or were
handled by others but you think there was a potential to use forensic entomology though it
was not used.

(3). How much potential or opportunities is or are there to use forensic entomology give at
least 4 situations?
QUESTION ONE

So far legal system in Malawi have not yet had reported cases of the use of forensic entomology
in criminal investigations. But in others countries it has been reported to be in use, for instance in
Brazil, the body of 60-year-old man was found in an abandoned house. He had last been seen alive
with another person about six days before the discovery of his body, so it was important to find an
accurate estimate of the day of his death to assess whether the person was a crime suspect. Based
on entomology analysis of Chrysomia albiceps larvae collected from the body, it was judged that
he had died four days before discovery. This exclude the other person as a suspect and the death
was recorded as natural death (Thyssen, Aquino, Purgato, Martins, Costa, et al, 2018).

QUESTION TWO

a. REPUBLIC VS. MISOZ CHARLES CHAMNTHUNYA (CRIMINAL CASE 11 OF

2018) [2020] MWHC 32(4 SEPTEMBER 2020).

Forensic entomology would have played a pivotal role in the case of Republic vs. Misoz Charles
Chamnthunya where the defendant was charged with three serious offenses including murder,
hindering the burial of a dead body and perjury. The case revolved around the murder of Linda
Gasa, who was found to have been poisoned, smothered and stabbed four times. She was buried
in the bathroom of a family cottage and the defendant had initially lied about her whereabouts
when questioned by the police.

One of the primary applications of forensic entomology in this case would have been to estimate
the time of Linda Gasa's death. Insects particularly blowflies, are attracted to decomposing bodies
and lay their eggs on the corpse. By studying the developmental stage of these insect larvae,
forensic entomologists provide an approximate time since death which is crucial for establishing
a timeline for the murder.

Additionally, forensic entomology can help confirm the cause of death. While the medical reports
indicated the causes of death, the presence of specific insect species and their activity on the body
can provide additional evidence. Different insects are attracted to various stages of decomposition
and can indicate whether certain wounds were inflicted before or after death, potentially
corroborating or challenging the convict's account of events.
The location of burial is another key aspect that forensic entomologists would examine. Linda
Gasa's body was buried in the bathroom of a family cottage. The type of insects and their life stages
found at the burial site can provide insights into how long the body had been there which could be
crucial in building the case.

b. POLICE EXHUME 25 BODIES OF SUSPECTED ETHIOPIAN HUMAN

TRAFFICKING VICTIMS FROM A MZIMBA MASS-GRAVE (SUMALI, 2022).

Forensic entomology would have played significant role in the investigation of a mass grave
discovered in Mzimba District. One crucial aspect of its application is the estimation of the time
of death. Forensic entomologists can analyze the insect species, their life stages and their
development on the decomposing bodies. This information helps in estimating the postmortem
interval which is essential for the investigation.

In addition to determining the time of death, forensic entomology can assist in the identification
of victims. The presence of specific insects and their development can provide clues about the
location from which the victims may have been trafficked and the timeline of their deaths. This
can be valuable information for the investigation.

Forensic entomologists can also provide insights into the geographic origin of the victims.
Different regions have distinct insect populations and the species of insects found can help narrow
down the potential geographic origins of the victims.

Moreover, forensic entomology can be an indicator of foul play. Unusual patterns in insect
colonization or the presence of toxicology in the insect samples could indicate foul play or
poisoning, which is critical for the investigation's direction.

QUESTION THREE

a. TIME OF DEATH ESTIMATION

Forensic entomology plays a pivotal role in criminal investigations by aiding in the estimation of
the postmortem interval. This is achieved through the analysis of insect species, their life stages
and their developmental progress on a deceased body. This knowledge is crucial for homicide
investigations, providing a scientific basis for establishing the timeline of events. The study by
Catts and Haskell (1990) in the Journal of Forensic Sciences emphasizes the significance of
entomological methods for determining time of death.

b. TRAFFICKING AND SMUGGLING CASES

Forensic entomology also finds applications in cases involving illegal trafficking and smuggling.
Insects, often found on illegal goods or luggage, can reveal critical information about the origin of
these items. This is particularly important in uncovering instances of trafficking, such as the
smuggling of protected species or illicit substances. Amendt et al. (2007) provide insights into the
standards and guidelines for best practices in forensic entomology which can be applied to various
investigative contexts.

c. TOXICOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Insects are known to accumulate toxins including pesticides and drugs from their surroundings.
Analyzing the chemical composition of insects recovered from a crime scene can provide valuable
insights into the presence of toxins and their potential sources. The book "A Fly for the
Prosecution" by Goff (2000) highlights the role of insects in gathering evidence related to toxins
and their forensic significance.

d. COLD CASE RESOLUTION

Forensic entomology is not limited to current investigations. It also contributes to solving cold
cases by reevaluating insect evidence collected at the time of the crime. With advancements in
forensic techniques overlooked clues within insect specimens can provide breakthroughs in
unsolved cases. Byrd and Castner (2010) explore the utility of arthropods including insects in legal
investigations and their relevance in solving cold cases.
REFERENCES

Amendt, J., Campobasso, C. P., Gaudry, E., Reiter, C., LeBlanc, H. N., & Hall, M. J. (2007). Best
Practice in Forensic Entomology—Standards and Guidelines. International Journal of
Legal Medicine, 121(2), 90-104.

Byrd, J. H., & Castner, J. L. (2010). Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal
Investigations. CRC Press.

Catts, E. P., & Haskell, N. H. (1990). Entomology and Death: A Procedural Guide. Journal of
Forensic Sciences, 35(3), 642-645.

Goff, M. L. (2000). A Fly for the Prosecution: How Insect Evidence Helps Solve Crimes. Harvard
University Press.

Republic Vs. Misoz Charles Chamnthunya (Criminal Case 11 of 2018) [2020] MWHC 32(4
September 2020).

Sumali, G. (2022). Police Exhume 25 Bodies Of Suspected Ethiopian Human Trafficking

Victims From A Mzimba Mass-Grave. Retrieved on 19 October 2023 from
www.police.gov.mw/index.

Thyssen, P.J., Aquino, M.F.K., Purgato, N.C.S., Martins, E., Costa, A.A., et al. (2018).
Implications of Entomological Evidence During the Investigation of Five Cases of
Violent Death in Southern Brazil. Forensic science.