When does rigor mortis typically begin to occur after death?

Rigor mortis is a post-mortem process characterized by the stiffening of muscles due to biochemical changes that occur after death. It typically begins to manifest approximately 2 to 6 hours after death, as the body undergoes a series of metabolic changes that lead to the depletion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Without ATP, the muscles cannot relax, resulting in the stiffness associated with rigor mortis.

Beginning within this time frame allows forensic experts to estimate the time of death more accurately. The process continues to progress, eventually reaching its peak stiffness around 12 hours after death, after which rigor mortis will start to dissipate as decomposition progresses further. This knowledge is crucial for crime scene analysts, as understanding rigor mortis helps establish timelines and corroborate other evidence related to a death investigation.