ANALYSIS OF INJURY PATTERNS IN HOMICIDE VICTIMS: A FORENSIC AUTOPSY STUDY
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Keywords
Alcohol, Asphyxiation, Blunt force trauma, Defensive injuries, Forensic autopsy, Gunshot wounds, Homicide, Sharp force trauma
Abstract
Background: Homicide remains a significant public health issue globally, and forensic autopsies are crucial for understanding injury patterns in victims. The type, distribution, and severity of injuries provide valuable insights into the weapon used, the nature of the attack, and the victim's circumstances. Identifying these patterns helps in reconstructing the events surrounding the homicide and aids law enforcement investigations.
Objective: This study aimed to analyze the injury patterns in homicide victims through forensic autopsy findings, focusing on the types of injuries, body regions affected, and the presence of defensive injuries.
Study Design and Setting: A retrospective forensic autopsy study was conducted, reviewing cases of homicide victims examined at Medicolegal Section, Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad from Jan 2022 to June 2022.
Methodology: The study included 130 cases of homicide, all confirmed through legal documentation and forensic investigation. Data were collected from autopsy reports, police records, and crime scene investigations. Injuries were categorized as blunt force trauma, sharp force trauma, gunshot wounds, or asphyxiation. Body regions, weapon types, and the presence of defensive injuries were documented. Toxicological analysis was also performed to detect substances like alcohol and drugs. Descriptive statistical methods were employed for data analysis.
Results: Blunt force trauma (38.5%) and sharp force trauma (30.8%) were the most common types of injuries. Head and neck injuries were the most frequent (61.5%), and defensive injuries were present in 29.2% of cases. Alcohol and drugs were detected in 42.3% of victims.
Conclusion: This study highlights the diverse injury patterns in homicide victims, providing crucial insights for forensic investigations. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the mechanisms of injury to better inform criminal justice strategies and public health interventions.
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Nasim Irshad
Assistant Professor Department of Forensic Medicine, Army Medical College Rawalpindi
Naseem Akhter
Senior Lecturer Department of Biochemistry, Sindh Medical College, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi Sindh
Asiya Parveen
Senior Lecturer Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Bilawal Medical College, LUMHS Jamshoro Sindh
Aftab Alam Tanoli
Associate Professor Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Loralai Medical College Loralai
Amna Shahid
Demonstrator Forensic Medicine Department CMH Medical College Lahore Cantt
Mobin Inam Pal
MBBS, MCPS (Forensic Medicine) Associate Professor Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad