[hermantheshocker]

This middle-aged male individual was located deceased in his house 2 months after being reported missing. The cranium was recovered on the opposite side of the room from the rest of the remains, which were partially disarticulated and predominantly located on the floor next to the bed. A deceased dog was located in another room of the house.


Fig.1 Location of the cranium (red arrow) at the scene which was on the opposite side of the room from the rest of the remains.


Fig.2 View of the partially disarticulated human remains at the scene.


Fig.3 View of the partially disarticulated human remains at the scene.

The skull was detached from the torso. There was a ragged fragment of mummified skin overlying the left lateral surface of the cranium. The facial skeleton was absent, specifically, the nasal bones, orbits, maxilla, and some of the zygomatic arches. The mandible was separated from the body and showed evidence of animal scavenging. There were also several loose teeth. The torso was partially skeletonized with varying amounts of firm, dark, mummified tissue predominantly over the left and right back regions, surrounding the back of the pelvic region/buttocks and also covering the upper arms, forearms, hand, and fingers.


Fig.4 Six standard views of the cranium showing a ragged fragment of mummified skin overlying the left lateral surface of the cranium and the absence of the facial skeleton as a result of scavenging.


Fig.5 Superior view of the mandible at the scene which was located away from the cranium and showed evidence of scavenging (red arrows).

The spine showed a degree of scoliosis, and there was marked loss of anterior vertebral bodies (consistent with scavenging), involving the upper thoracic spines. The upper cervical spine was not located. The 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae were in situ and showed extensive degradation. All the left ribs were lost to scavenging. The majority of the right ribs were in situ, although all the rib ends showed extensive bone damage consistent with scavenging. The anterior and lower lateral ribs were not identified, nor were the costal cartilages, manubrium, or sternum.

There were remnants of decomposed soft tissue (possibly lung) with the right chest cavity. All abdominal and deep pelvic organs were lost to decomposition and postmortem feeding activity. There was a small amount of light tan–colored hair in the region of the pubic bone. The pelvis was essentially intact and in situ; however, there was marked gnawing bone loss over the iliac crest regions. The left scapula and medial left clavicle showed extensive gnawing and bone loss. The remainder of the left upper extremity was covered with varying amounts of essentially mummified skin. The right scapula showed extensive bone loss and degradation. The upper arm, forearm, hand, and fingers show exceedingly firm parchmentlike mummified tissue with marked mummification of the fingertips. The right lower limb was predominantly devoid of soft tissue. A small amount of mummified tissue and muscle was present around the hip region.


Fig.6 Anterior view of the human remains showing the partially skeletonized torso with varying amounts of firm, dark, mummified tissue.


Fig.7 Anterior view of the human remains.


Fig.8 Anterior view of the human remains.


Fig.9 Anterior view of the spine and right ribs showing marked loss of the anterior vertebral bodies and extensive shattering at the ends of the ribs both typical of scavenging.

The right femur was predominantly skeletonized. The right patella was absent. The right tibia was present; however, the fibula was absent. The left thigh region showed an admixture of externalized mummified muscle (essentially anteromedially) with an overlying layer of mummified skin on the lateral and posterior surface of the thigh. The left patella was in situ and was enveloped by mummified skin. The left tibia and fibula were present. A “Moon Boot” was present on the right lower leg. The left and right feet were enveloped in socks. The bones of the feet and toes were fully accounted for once the contents of the socks had been emptied. Postmortem CT showed the disarticulated nature of the remains and frayed ends of many of the long bones following scavenging.


Fig.10 VR image of the anterior skeleton showing the disarticulated nature of the remains and frayed ends of many of the long bones as a result of scavenging.


Fig.11 VR image of the posterior skeleton. NB: the moon boot over the right leg

Typical of animal scavenging, the soft tissue may be removed and the skeletal elements scattered and disarticulated. Domestic pets such as cats and dogs may consume human remains, especially when the animals are trapped inside following the death of their owners and their food source runs out. Feeding on deceased individuals is a feature of a wide variety of animals, including fly larvae, ants, birds, dogs, cats, bears, rodents, sea lice, and sharks. Tight-fitting clothing or footwear may protect regions of the body from animal scavenging. In this case, the presence of the “Moon Boot” protected the small bones of the right foot. Cause of Death: Unascertained.

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[ride]

I wonder how long the dog lasted on human flesh and limited/no water.

Outstanding work as usual, Herm.

[rhubarb_king]

Yep - That's definitely "Man's Best Friend" alright!!
Ahh good doggy!

[REVZZYBAN]

Ol Herman Ol chap, you sure did scavenge up a sack full of nibbled on bones-n-dehydrated meat. Quite the effort .
Might you have a few snapshots of some relatively fresh disinterments? In good condition of course. Say 30 years entombed/buried. Really, I’d be happy with any.

[El_Guapo]

Poor dog. I wonder if it left the hands and arms alone because it associated them with being pet.

[lunikov]

Poor dog

[William May]

The dog did a pretty good job of hiding the bones, if he wasn't found for 2 months.
Good boy!

[SimoneFlen']

Yay, skeletal remains, love it! Brilliant thread, mate, thank you.

[hermantheshocker]

Originally Posted by Simone ↗

Yay, skeletal remains, love it! Brilliant thread, mate, thank you.

Thanks :)

[Budd Dwyer]

Originally Posted by rhubarb_king ↗

Yep - That's definitely "Man's Best Friend" alright!!
Ahh good doggy!

You commented the same shit on every scavenging thread...
Don't worry, if someone would lock you in a cell with no exit at all, you'd also eat human flesh