Q:   Hello, My name is Rebecca and I am 17 years old and still in high school. For a long time now I have wanted to be a forensic scientist. The problem is I am not sure what degree I should have to become one. I know that I have to major in forensic science, but I am not sure how long I need to attend college to achieve that goal. Could you please tell me how long you and Mr. Cooper attended college.

I began watching The Assassination of King Tut, but I was unable to finish watching all of it. I never had the chance to see who you believe killed him. Could you please tell me whom you believed killed him?

Thank you,
Rebecca
Houston, TX
A:   Rebecca, Greg and I both have Masters Degrees. Regarding your question about the course of instruction to take, I believe that any bachelor's and graduate work could help you as a police officer, but it would clearly be to your benefit to consider the forensic sciences if CSI is what you would like to do. CSI is a very specific area of study, and there will be many colleges and universities in the country that can help you. Try looking them up on the Internet under Criminal Justice, Crime Scene Investigation, Criminal Psychology, etc.

Greg and I teach three courses that are web-based through the Salt Lake Community College. They are: 1) Criminal Profiling, 2) Victimology and 3) Anatomy of Homicide. They are college credit courses of 3 semester hours.

If you would like more information, you can email us at: mike@iois.net.

Best wishes and thank you for your interest.

Sincerely,
Mike King

PS: I would look closely at Ay the next time you watch the program!

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Q:   Was there any evidence on the body, other than moisture to suggest the body had started to decay before it was mummified?

The show mentioned fly larvae as a sign of decomposition, however, did not mention if remains of this survived mummification.

Thank you,
Jennifer
A:   Jennifer, It is difficult to tell when the decomposition may have occurred. If, in fact, Tut was quickly disposed of, and a proper mummification wasn't completed, it is possible that the body did decompose further. With the huge amounts of unguents placed in and around the body, that too could have contributed to the problem.

If the speculation is true that Tut was decomposing before the mummification process started, that could lend credence to your question. But the manner of the mummification and the way in which Tut was buried leave us with greater concerns about WHY he was treated the way he was. I hope this helps, and thank you for taking the time to email us.

Best wishes,
Mike King

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