Why Do Many Murderers Choose Shallow Graves – A Real-World Analysis

Murder is a heinous crime, and the disposal of a victim's body is often a critical part of the perpetrator's plan. Surprisingly, many murderers opt for shallow graves, burying their victims just a foot or two deep. This practice leaves bodies highly vulnerable to discovery and a myriad of other factors. In this deep dive, we explore the reasons behind this decision, the consequences of such tactics, and the realities of burying a body.

The Perks of Shallow Graves: Why Many Murderers Opt for Them

There are several compelling reasons why murderers might choose shallow graves:

Lack of Time and Resources: A meticulous crime, especially the disposal of a body, requires significant time and resources. Most murderers, given their criminal background, are time-poor and resource-strapped. Spending the day digging and covering a body to six feet is simply out of the question. If conditions change, such as the area being developed, the body could be exposed.

Consider this practical example: "Take your own advice go dig yourself a hole." If you attempt to dig a hole yourself, you'll likely notice that the first few feet are feasible, but the deeper you go, the more challenging it becomes. The depth quickly exceeds the capabilities of an average person without proper tools or experience. Hence, a shallow grave is a practical choice for someone who is not renting construction equipment or considering the time investment.

The Scientific Explanation: How Shallow Burials Harbor Risks

The decompositional process varies significantly based on burial depth. In a shallow grave, a body is more susceptible to discovery and faster decomposition. Here's why:

Decomposition: When a body is buried shallowly, it experiences a much quicker rate of decomposition. With only a foot or two of soil, the body is exposed to air, moisture, and decomposer organisms. In a hardened soil layer, the body will decay to near liquid in just weeks, leaving almost nothing but bones. This process is accelerated when special compounds like lye or lime are used. These substances expedite the breakdown of organic matter, ensuring little to no remains are left behind.

Detection: Shallow graves are much more likely to be discovered if the area is ever developed. Urban planning, construction, or other land use changes can lead to graves being unearthed, especially in makeshift burial sites that lack proper markers or protection.

Motivation and Laziness: An Intriguing Insight

Many low-level criminals, by nature, are lazy. Their criminal tendencies stem from a pursuit of the easiest path. In the world of murder, the absence of a readily available solution leads many to choose shallow graves. They opt for the most straightforward approach, rationalizing that more challenging methods are not within their means.

For instance, staying married can be a formidable challenge, but . Similarly, digging a deep grave is a labor-intensive task that requires specialized tools and a significant amount of time. Most criminals are content with a simple, quick burial method.

Professional Insights: What Actual Grave-Diggers Reveal

Professional grave diggers will attest that professional-grade graves (human-size burials) can indeed take a considerable amount of time and effort. Here are some key insights:

Time and Experience: Professional excavations typically take 4-5 hours, with 8-10 hours required for initial digging. However, this is for a grave that is specifically designed to be three feet deep, not a six-foot deep one. The difference in depth significantly impacts the workload and time required.

Tools and Techniques: Digging deeper than a few feet requires specialized equipment, such as backhoes or significant manual effort. Even experienced diggers prefer shallow graves due to the practicality and efficiency of the process.

Roots and Obstacles: As you dig deeper, you run into more obstacles such as tree roots, larger rocks, and compacted soil layers. This makes the digging process increasingly difficult. To overcome these issues, professional diggers often use longer spades with points to pierce roots and rocks, and additional leverage.

One professional reflects: "The movies don’t get it right. You need more than a shovel and you need more than an hour. It is an incredibly daunting task." Thus, for criminals seeking a quick and easy solution, a shallow grave remains the preferred choice.

The Conclusion: Shallow Graves and Their Varying Depths

Many murderers opt for shallow graves due to the practical challenges of burials, the time and resources required, and the face-to-face nature of the crime. These graves are highly susceptible to detection and decomposition due to their limited depth. Understanding the motivations and realities behind such actions can aid in the prevention of future criminal acts. The science and experience of professional grave diggers shed light on the complexity and challenges involved in proper body disposal, reinforcing the importance of addressing these issues in legal and forensic studies.