Discriminating factors in fatal blunt trauma from low level falls and homicide

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology
Thomas LefèvreGeoffroy Lorin de la Grandmaison

Abstract

Determination of the manner of death is a major issue in forensic practice. Differentiating the injuries caused by falls from a low height from injuries due to the deliberate application of a blunt object can be difficult. A few studies suggested the use of certain criteria, such as the hat brim line rule, to help in differentiating between falls and blows. Unfortunately they are not consistent. All autopsy cases from a 16-year period (1996-2012) were analyzed retrospectively. Three groups were defined: homicide cases (n = 31), sudden natural deaths involving a fall (n = 103), and accidental fall cases (n = 30). The three groups were statistically compared across a wide range of parameters including general characteristics, presence, and characteristics of different types of wounds (lacerations, deep bruises, fractures, intracranial trauma, and defense injuries) as well as their respective anatomical site. There were marked differences in wounds between homicide and fall cases, e.g., wounds were more numerous and larger in homicides. We did not confirm the hat brim line rule as a reliable discriminating parameter. A simple and highly effective multivariate model was found, which included the presence of lacerations, deep bruise...Continue Reading

References

Oct 21, 1994·Forensic Science International : Synergy·J FischerH D Tröger
Sep 18, 1997·The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology·N J HartshorneE C Alvord
Mar 8, 2000·Forensic Science International : Synergy·S RogdeK Poulsen
Sep 29, 2000·International Journal of Legal Medicine·B KargerB Brinkmann
Feb 8, 2005·Forensic Science International : Synergy·G M Mazzolo, L Desinan
Aug 25, 2005·Medicine, Science, and the Law·Sachidananda MohantySreemanta Kumar Das
Aug 27, 2005·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Vipul Namdeorao Ambade, Hemant Vasant Godbole
Dec 12, 2007·Medicine, Science, and the Law·V T VenkateshK Pushpalatha
Feb 10, 2010·Journal of Forensic Sciences·Pierre Guyomarc'hAnny Sauvageau
Feb 24, 2010·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Annette ThieraufBurkhard Madea
Mar 12, 2010·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Christophe BrunelGeoffroy Lorin de la Grandmaison
Oct 20, 2010·Addiction·Joseph B KuhnsStephanie A Ainsworth
Apr 13, 2011·Journal of Injury & Violence Research·Saurabh Chattopadhyay, Chandrabhal Tripathi
Aug 9, 2011·International Journal of Legal Medicine·E J SharkeyN NicDaeid
Jan 14, 2012·Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology·Joseph B Kuhns, Edward R Maguire

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Jan 10, 2018·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Teresa Delgado-DariasJavier Velasco-Vázquez
Dec 2, 2017·Journal of Forensic Sciences·Samantha K RowbothamVictoria Francis

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.