What is the episode about?
Danske Drabssager presents in this special episode an in-depth examination of the technical and scientific processes that occur when Danish police and forensic experts are confronted with bodies that have been exposed to extreme cold or freezing. Hosts Thea Pedersen and Stine Bolther use listeners' questions to uncover how the estimation of the time of death is affected when biological processes are halted by frost. The episode focuses on the forensic challenges of finding victims in chest freezers or outdoors during the cold winter months, which requires a special methodology before an autopsy can begin.
The case behind the episode
Although this episode functions as a question-and-answer session, it draws connections to historical criminal cases in Denmark where freezing has been used as a means to conceal evidence or dispose of bodies. A significant element of the discussion is the process of thawing a body. Forensic experts explain in Danske Drabssager that thawing too quickly can destroy important DNA traces and tissue samples. Typically, a body must be thawed slowly in a controlled environment, which can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours depending on the body's mass and the initial temperature. This waiting period is critical for the investigation, as the police cannot obtain definitive answers regarding the cause of death until the forensic experts can make the necessary incisions and examinations of the internal organs.
About the podcast
The podcast Danske Drabssager is known for its authentic approach to the true crime genre, allowing the involved professionals to speak out. By including experts such as former homicide chiefs and forensic specialists, the series provides a unique insight into the workings behind the biggest Danish criminal cases. The hosts, both with backgrounds as journalists and authors, manage to convey complex material in a way that is understandable for lay listeners without losing the professional depth. The series is produced for platforms like RadioPlay and Spotify, and has built a position as one of the country's most trustworthy sources of crime content over 12 seasons.