Why don't we ususally hear of a recovered body being mummified?...is it just because we are following this so closely that we know about it or is it common and I have just not heard it?
I think it is a combination of both the things you mention, as well as time of year and weather (cool/dry in a deserty area to begin with), age of victim, particular length of time in open, etc.
We will see if Feldman can succesfully challenge the forensics of this case.
Why don't we ususally hear of a recovered body being mummified?...I live in AZ in we hear about it all the time. Either a homide victim's body is left in the desert, or illegal aliens making they're way and succumbing to the heat and lack of water. It's so dry that the remains are mummified.