What does an external exam involve in the context of a death investigation?

In the context of a death investigation, an external exam primarily focuses on the physical examination of the deceased’s body. This process typically involves an initial visual assessment to identify any injuries, marks, or signs of trauma. Photographic documentation is an essential part of this phase as it preserves a visual record of the body’s condition at the time of the examination, allowing for further analysis and review if necessary.

By capturing images, investigators can document findings that may be crucial for understanding the circumstances surrounding death. This thorough examination is vital for forming an initial hypothesis about the cause of death and whether it was natural, accidental, homicide, or suicide.

The other options, while relevant to the overall investigation, do not encompass the specific focus of the external exam. Options related to family history, witness interviews, and medical history may occur in parallel during the investigation but do not pertain directly to the external assessment of the body itself. This emphasis on the external examination underscores its importance in establishing foundational insights into the death being investigated.