The use of lime by murderers is not a widespread or common occurrence, but it has been documented in some cases. The reasons for using lime can vary, but it is often done as a means of disposing of a body and preventing the detection of the crime. In this answer, I will explore some of the possible reasons for why murderers may use lime and provide examples of cases where it has been used.
One possible reason for using lime is to accelerate the decomposition of a body. Lime is an alkaline substance that can raise the pH of soil, which can speed up the breakdown of organic matter. When lime is applied to a body, it can help to break down the tissues and bones, making it more difficult to identify the remains. In addition, lime can help to neutralize the odor of decaying flesh, making it less likely that the smell will attract attention from passersby.
Another possible reason for using lime is to conceal the evidence of a crime. By breaking down the body and preventing the detection of the crime, the murderer can avoid suspicion and evade arrest. In some cases, the use of lime may be part of a larger plan to cover up the crime, such as by destroying other physical evidence or creating a false alibi.
However, it should be noted that the use of lime is not a foolproof method for disposing of a body. In fact, it can have the opposite effect and make it easier for investigators to discover the remains. When lime is applied to a body, it can alter the soil chemistry in a way that is noticeable to forensic investigators. In addition, the use of lime can create distinctive patterns in the soil that can be traced back to the location where the body was dumped.
There have been several cases where lime has been used by murderers to dispose of a body. One of the most well-known cases is that of the “Limehouse” murder, which occurred in London in 1887. In this case, the murderer used lime to dispose of the body of a woman who had been strangled. The use of lime made it difficult for investigators to identify the body, but they were eventually able to do so through dental records.
Another case where lime was used is the murder of Amanda Knox’s roommate, Meredith Kercher, in Perugia, Italy in 2007. The killer, Rudy Guede, attempted to dispose of Kercher’s body by covering it with a duvet and a large pile of clothes, and then pouring bleach and other cleaning products on top of it. He also tried to use lime to speed up the decomposition of the body, but was unsuccessful in doing so.