Estimation of postmortem interval by arthropod succession. Three case studies from the Hawaiian Islands.

Three instances of estimation of postmortem interval using computer-assisted entomological techniques on the island of Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands are presented. While postmortem intervals were similar for all cases (4-5 1/2 days), recovery of the remains in differing habitats (xerophytic, mesophytic, and swamp) on the island resulted in significant differences in gross appearance of the remains, which could have resulted in the determination of different postmortem intervals in the absence of entomological techniques.