Forensic taphonomy is the study of what happens to a body between death and discovery. It’s one of the oldest forensic disciplines and one of the most controversial. Why? Because to properly study forensic taphonomy you need bodies. The Victorians took them from graveyards, these days we have Body Farms. 

Body Farms have proved to be a vital resource for forensic scientists to learn more about how and why bodies decompose in certain conditions. It’s a hugely complex subject which brings in factors like climate, soil, insects, scavengers, diet among other things. 

This week Lynda and Cass meet Dr Daniel J. Wescott, Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State University. The Texas Body Farm where Danny works is largest in the world and has helped to further the knowledge of scientists and law enforcement around the world. 

This is the first in a two-part mini series on Body Farms. Next week we’re looking at the picture in the UK. 

To learn more about the Texas Forensic Anthropology Center visit: https://www.txst.edu/anthropology/facts.html 

IG: @factxstate 

FB: @forensicanthcenterTXST 

------------

Lynda La Plante's new book The Scene of the Crime, featuring a team of forensic scientists, is out on the 31st July 2025 in all formats.

To find out more about upcoming episodes of Listening to the Dead and Lynda's other books, visit www.lyndalaplante.com

 

 

Credits:

This podcast was made by Bonnier Books UK

Hosts: Lynda La Plante, Cass Sutherland and Jon Watt

Director: Jon Watt

Producer: Laura Makela

Theme Music: Game Over by Magic in the Other