Calculating TOD Using Rigor Mortis

Estimate the approximate time of death for the following situation:

A body was found with no evidence of rigor.

• 2 - 6 Hours
• 8 Hours
• Less than 2 Hours
• Less than 1 Hour

Estimate the approximate time of death for the following situation:

A body was found exhibiting rigor throughout the entire body.

• 2 - 6 Hours
• 8 Hours
• 12 Hours
• 12 - 15 Hours

Estimate the approximate time of death for the following situation:

A body was found exhibiting rigor in the chest, arms, face, and neck

• 2 - 6 Hours
• At least 6 Hours
• 12 Hours
• 36 to 48 Hours

Estimate the approximate time of death for the following situation:

A body was discovered with rigor present in the legs, but no rigor in the upper torso.

• 2 - 6 Hours due to activity
• 12 Hours due to activity
• 15 Hours due to activity
• 36 Hours due to activity 

Estimate the approximate time of death for the following situation:

A body was discovered with most muscles relaxed, except for the face.

• 2 - 6 Hours
• 12 Hours
• More than 15 Hours
• More than 36 Hours

Estimate the approximate time of death for the following situation:

A body was discovered in the weight room of a gym. A man had been doing “arm  curls” with heavy weights. The only place rigor was present was in his arms. 

• Less than 6 Hours
• 12 Hours
• 15 - 36 Hours
• 36 - 48 Hours

Estimate the TOD based on the following information: 
A frail, elderly woman’s body was found in her apartment on a hot summer’s evening. Her body exhibited advanced rigor in all places except her face and neck.

• 2 - 6 Hours
• 12 Hours
• 15 - 36 Hours
• 12 - 15 Hours 

Estimate the TOD based on the following information: 

A body was discovered in the woods. The man had been missing for two days. The average temperature the past 48 hours was 50 degrees Fahrenheit. When the body was discovered, it was at peak rigor. 

• 12 - 24 Hours
• 12 Hours
• More than 12 Hours
• At least 12 Hours 

Estimate the TOD based on the following information: 

An obese man was discovered in his air-conditioned hotel room sitting in a chair in front of the television. The air conditioner was set for 65 degrees Fahrenheit. When the coroner arrived, the man’s body exhibited rigor in his upper body only. 

• Between 2 - 6 Hours 
• 12 Hours
• At least 6 Hours
• Between 6 - 12 Hours

Estimate the TOD based on the following information: 

After a run, a young woman was attacked and killed. The perpetrator hid the body in the trunk of a car and fled. When the woman’s body was discovered, rigor was noticed in her thighs only. 

• Just over 2 Hours
• 2 - 6 Hours 
• Less than 12 Hours
• At least 6 Hours