Forensic mycology: the use of fungi in criminal investigations

• Published in: Forensic science international Vol. 206; no. 1; pp. 1 - 11
• Main Authors: Hawksworth, David L., Wiltshire, Patricia E.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ireland Ltd 20.03.2011; Elsevier; Elsevier Limited; Elsevier Sequoia S.A
• Subjects: Agaricales - chemistry; Biological and medical sciences; Biological Warfare; Burial; Cause of Death; Clandestine burial; Criminal investigations; Deoxyribonucleic acid; Deposition time; DNA; Evidence; Forensic medicine; Forensic sciences; Forensic Sciences - methods; Fungi; Fungi - growth & development; Fungi - isolation & purification; Fungi - pathogenicity; General aspects; Hallucinogens; Hallucinogens - administration & dosage; Humans; Information; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Lichens; Medical sciences; Mushroom Poisoning - diagnosis; Mycology; Palynology; Palynomorph; Pathology; Poisoning; Poisons; Post-mortem interval; Postmortem Changes; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Soil Microbiology; Spores, Fungal - isolation & purification; Trace evidence; United Kingdom > UK; Clandestine burial; Poisons; Lichens; Palynology; Post-mortem interval; Trace evidence; Hallucinogens; Palynomorph; Deposition time; Skin disease; Forensic aspect; Time; Lichen; Fungi; Burial; Hallucinogen; Time interval; Deposition; Forensic science; Legal medicine; Criminality; Mycology; Postmortem; Poison; Poisoning
• ISSN: 0379-0738; 1872-6283; 1872-6283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.06.012

This is the first overview to be published of the whole field of forensic mycology. It is based on all available information located in the literature, together with 13 examples from recent casework. Background information on fungi is given, and this is followed by an outline of the value, and potentially wide application, of mycology in criminal investigation. Applications include roles in: providing trace evidence; estimating time since death ( post-mortem interval); ascertaining time of deposition; investigating cause of death, hallucinations, or poisonings; locating buried corpses; and biological warfare. Previous work has been critically evaluated, with particular attention to its evidential value, and suitability for presentation in a court of law. The situations where mycology might assist an investigation are summarised, and issues relating to the further development of the subject are presented. A comprehensive bibliography with 120 citations is provided.