Cases

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Entomological evidence, September 22, 1986
Dr. Krinsky's notes, Sylvia Hunt case, September 1986 - February 1987
Dr. Krinsky's findings, Sylvia Hunt case, February 2, 1987
Jurors Shown Result of Stabbing, August 4, 1990
Killer of Prostitute Faces 60 Years in Prison, August 29, 1990
Entomological Evidence [reverse), September 22, 1986
Adult Black Blow Fly and Puparia (Phormia regina)
Letter from Sgt. M. A. Ohradan, Connecticut State Police, to Dr. William Krinsky, Yale University, concerning timetable relating to the murder of Sylvia Hunt, September 30, 1986
Letter from Sgt. M. A. Ohradan, Connecticut State Police, to Dr. William Krinsky, Yale University, concerning climatological data relating to the murder of Sylvia Hunt, September 24, 1986
Climatological data chart relating to the murder of Sylvia Hunt, September 1986
Adult Black Blow Fly and Puparia (Phormia regina)
Adult Black Blow Fly and Puparia (Phormia regina)
Division of Entomology, Peabody Museum of Natural History, Yale University
Image 7 of 10

Insect testimony

On September 21, 1986, the decomposing body of a 26-year-old woman was found inside a foul-smelling carpet near I-95 in Greenwich, Connecticut. Blow fly larvae were feeding on, and moving in and around, the body. Pale and dark brown blow fly puparia were recovered, along with 4,000 larvae, for laboratory study.

An autopsy revealed that the victim, Sylvia Hunt, had been stabbed 15 times. Forensic entomologist William Krinsky determined from climate and insect evidence that blow flies had deposited eggs on the corpse seven days earlier. The carpet pattern matched one in the room occupied by a suspect. The insect and carpet evidence helped convict him of first-degree murder.