How taphonomic alteration affects the detection and imaging of striations in stab wounds

International Journal of Legal Medicine
Sophie A StanleyGuy N Rutty

Abstract

Stabbing with a kitchen knife is a common method of homicide in Europe. Serrated knives may leave tool markings (striations) in tissues. Documentation of striations is necessary for their use as forensic evidence. Traditional methods (physical casting and photography) have significant limitations, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) has been trialled in cartilage to "virtually cast" wounds. Previous research has shown the proportion of striations in cartilage falls following decomposition. This project has investigated the effects of taphonomic alteration and documentation methods of striations in porcine skin. Fresh, decomposed, mummified, burnt and waterlogged stab wounds in a porcine analogue were excised and imaged using photography, stereo-optical microscopy and micro-CT. The proportion of striations in each taphonomic group was determined from the images by independent analysts. Striations were observed more frequently in serrated blade wounds, although they were also identified in non-serrated blade wounds. The proportion of wounds showing striations declined following decomposition. An inversely proportional linear correlation between advancing decomposition and proportion of striations existed. Dehydration (mummif...Continue Reading

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Citations

Nov 23, 2018·International Journal of Legal Medicine·D J CarrP F Mahoney
Jan 2, 2021·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Martin Baiker-SørensenRichard Visser
May 15, 2021·International Journal of Legal Medicine·Matthias WeberMarkus A Rothschild
Jul 6, 2021·International Journal of Legal Medicine·Pilar Mata-TutorMaría Benito-Sánchez

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
light microscopy
dissection
imaging techniques
imaging technique

Software Mentioned

SOM
Pro
VGStudio MAX
R
CT

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