Homicide Scene Cleanup

The first days after a homicide

The days after a homicide are often filled with things nobody prepares you for: detectives, the medical examiner's office, funeral arrangements, relatives arriving, sometimes reporters. Cleanup is usually low on the list, and that's right. Nothing needs to happen with the property until you're ready and the investigators are finished.

In Tennessee, deaths that are traumatic, suspicious or sudden are investigated by the county medical examiner, and forensic autopsies are done at regional forensic centers. The family is not billed for that autopsy. The final report usually takes around 10 to 12 weeks. None of that has to be finished before cleanup can begin. What matters for us is that law enforcement has released the property.

How release works, and why it can take time

A homicide investigation can keep a scene closed longer than other incidents. Investigators may return more than once. When they're done, the lead detective will usually tell the family or the property owner that the scene is released.

If you aren't sure, ask the detective directly whether the property is released and whether any areas or items are still being held. We will confirm this with you before we schedule, and we won't enter a property that is still under investigation.

What we need from you, and what we don't

We keep our questions short. When you call, we'll ask:

• Whether the property has been released
• The address and the type of property
• Who can give us access, and how to reach them
• Whether there are belongings you particularly want us to look out for
• Whether you plan to make an insurance or victim compensation claim, so we keep the right records

We don't need you to describe what happened. We won't ask for details about the person who died beyond what's needed to understand the property. If you'd like someone else in the family to handle communication with us, just tell us who.

Handling personal belongings with care

A home holds a life. Before we remove anything, we explain what is affected and why it may need to go, and we ask about anything with personal meaning.

• Items with no contact are left exactly where they are.
• Photographs, papers, jewelry and keepsakes found in or near the work area are set aside for the family, cleaned where possible, and returned.
• Items that absorbed fluids and can't be decontaminated are photographed before disposal.
• If you are unsure about something, we can hold it while you decide.

Some families also want to remove a few things before we start. If police have released them, a relative can collect items from unaffected rooms. We'd ask that nobody try to clean or move items in the affected area itself.

How the cleanup is carried out

1. Quiet arrival

   We arrive in a way that draws as little attention as we can and keep neighbors' questions to a polite minimum.

2. Assessment

   We examine the affected area, including materials beneath the surface, and agree a written scope with you or your representative.

3. Removal

   Biological material and contaminated porous materials are removed and packaged. Waste is disposed of in line with applicable Tennessee and federal requirements.

4. Cleaning and disinfection

   Remaining surfaces are cleaned and treated with EPA-registered disinfectants according to label directions, and the area is deodorized.

5. Report back

   We tell you what was done, in as much or as little detail as you want, and provide photos and an itemized invoice for your claims.

If the home will be sold or rented later, removal may leave work for a contractor, such as replacing drywall or flooring. We'll tell you what to expect. The guide what to expect after a traumatic death in a property covers the wider practical picture.

Tennessee Criminal Injuries Compensation and cleanup costs

Tennessee's Criminal Injuries Compensation program, run by the state Treasury, can help victims and families with costs that follow a crime. For cleanup specifically:

The Treasury decides every claim, so check eligibility directly with the program, and a victim advocate at the district attorney's office or police department may be able to help with the application. We provide the itemized invoice, scope and photos you would need to submit. Some property insurance policies may also cover part of the work, depending on the policy. Our insurance questions guide can help with that call.

If the property will be sold or rented

Owners often ask whether they have to tell future buyers or tenants. Tennessee Code § 66-5-207 says no cause of action arises against an owner or real estate licensee for failing to disclose that a property was the site of a homicide, felony or suicide. That is general information, not legal advice. If you're selling or renting, talk to an attorney about your situation.

Property owners can read more in what property owners should know after a crime scene, and landlords may find our page for property managers useful.

Related services and where we travel

If the person was hurt but survived, violent crime scene cleanup describes that situation. If the death happened in a house where the family still lives, residential crime scene cleanup explains how we work around the household. All of our crime scene services are listed on the crime scene cleanup page.

We are based in Nashville and travel to properties across Middle Tennessee. Scheduling is confirmed by phone.

Questions people ask