Fall 2025 Forensic Science Lecture: The Scent of Death

Suggested Donation: $5

Concealing the evidence of a homicide by disposing of the body used to be sufficient. However, new research on the plethora of volatile chemical compounds that indicated the presence of death and decay, even after a body is gone, has changed that. A dead human body emits hundreds of compounds that are collectively known as the “Scent of Death”. Dr. Goodpaster and his team have developed a laboratory-based method to detect these compounds, and it was successfully applied to a homicide investigation in Michigan City, IN. This evidence was admitted at trial and played a role in the conviction of the suspect.

This event will take place both in person and virtually. Registration is required.

The FSLS is a long-time partnership between the Indiana Medical History Museum and the University of Indianapolis Human Identification Lab.

***Important information for attendees: Advanced registration is required. Attendees will receive a link to join the event via Zoom 24 hours prior to the event. If you don't receive it by then, check your email junk folder or email us at YWRtaW4gfCBpbWhtICEgb3Jn. Doors open for in person attendees at 5:10pm.

Please call 317-635-7329 or email YWRtaW4gfCBpbWhtICEgb3Jn if you have any questions or concerns.

IMHM Event Disclaimers: 1) The views and opinions expressed by the speaker(s) in this presentation are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the Indiana Medical History Museum or its affiliates. 2) The content of the presentation is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment. 3) The Indiana Medical History Museum is housed in a historic building, and as such, may present certain risks and/or physical restrictions. Please let us know if you require special accommodations, and we will do our best to meet your needs.

IMHM Photography Policy: Attendees should respect both presenters and their proprietary material during formal presentations; therefore no still photographs nor video or audio recordings are allowed, unless explicitly permitted by IMHM Staff. To read our full IMHM Photography Policy, visit our website at www.imhm.org/visit.

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