Indoor Rapid Skeletonization with an Analysis of Forensic Entomology and Literature Reviews: A Case Report

Skeletonization, a postmortem process that occurs over months to years, exhibits variable rates depending on temperature, humidity, clothing, antemortem health conditions, and insect activity, complicating postmortem interval (PMI) estimation. Complete skeletonization is rare in enclosed indoor environments, whereas desiccation or partial mummification is more common. Here, accelerated advanced skeletonization involving most body regions developed within 12 days in an urban indoor setting, indicating an unusually rapid progression of postmortem changes. This acceleration likely resulted from combined high temperature and humidity during the summer rainy season, airflow through open windows, and microenvironments created by bedding, promoting decomposition and insect activity. Larvae collected during autopsy were identified as Chrysomya megacephala and Chrysomya pinguis. Forensic entomological analysis estimated a PMI 3-6 days shorter than investigative records suggested, providing insight into environmental conditions. This case demonstrates that specific microenvironmental conditions and intense insect activity can coincide, leading to rapid decomposition with accelerated advanced skeletonization over a short period of time, even indoors. Accordingly, the presence of skeletonization does not necessarily indicate a prolonged PMI, highlighting the importance of recognizing the potential for accelerated postmortem changes and interpreting the findings cautiously. Furthermore, an accurate death investigation of bodies exhibiting advanced postmortem changes requires systemic evaluation, including the collection of entomological data.