Forensic Analysis: Interpreting Wound Characteristics in Violent Deaths

Forensic Wound Analysis: Differentiating Cause of Death

5. Wound Severity and Characteristics: The severity of a wound, the presence of subcutaneous fat between wound edges, and blood clots intimately attached to mesh fabrics can provide crucial information. The presence or absence of vital reaction (bleeding) is interpreted to determine if the wound occurred before or after death. This aids in the diagnosis of origin: suicide, homicide, or accidental.

Medical evidence includes puncture wounds, cutting wounds, and piercing wounds. The location of wounds, their number, and characteristics are important, as are any corresponding marks on the victim's clothing.

Key Factors in Wound Interpretation

1. Wound Location

Wound location provides probability data. Vital areas are often chosen in suicide. The location of important organs is considered. In homicide, the accessibility of the wound region is important; injuries located at points the victim could not reach on their own may exclude suicide. Wounds on the volar aspect of the hands or inner edge of the forearms are typical defense wounds, often indicative of homicide.

2. Number of Wounds

Multiple wounds are more frequent in homicide than suicide. The multiplicity of wounds can help determine the etiology.

3. Examination of Clothing

In suicide, clothing may be opened or removed to access the wound area. In homicide, clothing may be torn or ruptured by the weapon. The state of the clothing can provide clues about the circumstances surrounding the injury.

Incised Wounds and Incised-Conclusive Wounds

1. Degüello (Cut Throat)

This refers to an injury to the anterior neck with a sharp weapon. Its origin can be homicidal or suicidal.

Characteristics of Suicidal Cut Throat Wounds:

• a. Direction: The wound is usually directed from left to right and top to bottom (reversed in left-handed individuals).
• b. Topography: The location of the wound is often anterolateral, starting at the left side of the neck and usually ending before reaching the right side.
• c. Depth: The point of initiation is generally much deeper than the final part. Airways are often cut at the level of the larynx, creating a wide gap between the wound walls.
• d. Uniformity: Very small wounds, characteristic of hesitation marks or trial cuts, may be present near the primary wound's initiation point. These wounds are shallow and vary in number.
• e. Clothing: The front of the clothing is often stained with blood, suggesting the individual was standing and facing a mirror.
• f. Hand: The hand wielding the weapon is typically bloody.

Other Incised Wounds:

• 1. Section of Veins: A clean shear-type injury is typical of suicide. Common locations include the anterior left wrist and left elbow flexure (reversed for left-handed individuals). Wounds are generally shallow.
• 2. Decapitation: This involves the complete severing of the neck with a sharp or blunt instrument. It can be suicidal or homicidal. Suicidal decapitation wounds are usually not very deep due to the difficulty. Homicidal decapitation typically involves cutting tools and strong force (e.g., axes).
• 4. Section of Abdominal Wall: This is often associated with homicidal sadistic crimes.

Weapon Identification

Determining whether a particular weapon could have caused the wounds is crucial. Studying the depth of the wound can provide clues about the instrument used.

Kind of Instrument

General characteristics of wounds produced by different types of weapons (sharp, cutting, cutting and piercing, or pointed) can be demonstrative.

Width of Weapon

In stab wounds, the wound length matches the width of the weapon if it penetrated perpendicularly. If penetration is oblique, the wound is longer than the actual width of the weapon.

Number of Edges

The number of edges is not always a reliable indicator.