Sharp force fatalities: suicide, homicide or accident? A series of 21 cases

Abstract 

Cases at study comprise 21 sharp force fatalities (9 suicides – 7 m and 2 f; 8 homicides – 5 m and 3 f; 2 accidental deaths – 1 m and 1 f; 2 uncertain cases – 2 m), examined from 1993 to 2002. Suicide age range was 17–75 years, mean 42.4; in seven cases the age was upper 40. Scene of death was at home in six cases, at open place in two, during hospitalisation in one. Incised wounds were pre-eminent in suicides. Homicides showed multiple stab wounds. The two accidents were caused by “glassing”. Uncertain cases were a small stab wound to the chest and an eviration.

Keywords: Incised wound, Stab wound, Suicide, Homicide, Accidental death