Multiple injuries in suicide simulating homicide: Report of three cases

• Published in: Journal of forensic and legal medicine Vol. 20; no. 6; pp. 601 - 604
• Main Authors: Austin, Amy E., B.Hlth.Sc (Hons), Guddat, Saskia S., M.D, Tsokos, Michael, M.D, Gilbert, John D., F.R.C.P.A, Byard, Roger W., M.D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-08-2013; Churchill Livingstone Inc., Medical Publishers
• Subjects: Antipsychotic Agents - blood; Autopsies; Blunt force trauma; Clozapine - blood; Female; Forensic Pathology; Forensic sciences; Head Injuries, Closed - pathology; Head Injuries, Penetrating - pathology; Hematoma - pathology; Hemorrhage - etiology; Hemorrhage - pathology; Homicide; Humans; Integration; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple injuries; Multiple Trauma - pathology; Murders & murder attempts; Overkill; Pathology; Penetrating injury; Schizophrenia; Self-mutilation; Suicide; Tentative injury; Toxicology; Wounds, Gunshot - pathology; Wounds, Stab - pathology; Young Adult; Blunt force trauma; Homicide; Penetrating injury; Self-mutilation; Tentative injury; Multiple injuries; Suicide; Overkill
• ISSN: 1752-928X; 1878-7487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2013.02.005

Abstract Multiple inflicted injuries in traumatic deaths usually indicate homicide. Three cases are reported where homicide was initially suspected due to findings at the death scene and the apparent nature of the injuries however, after investigation, involvement of any other individuals in the deaths could be excluded. Case 1 : A 52-year-old male was found with multiple stab wounds. At autopsy, 36 stab wounds were identified, the majority of which were superficial. Only two stab wounds had penetrated deeply. Case 2 : A 19-year-old female was found with three gunshot entry wounds to the right temple and a .22 calibre automatic rifle resting across her lap. Case 3 : A 47-year-old female was found with numerous haematomas and three deep head wounds in keeping with trauma from impact with a blunt object. A high level of clozapine was detected on toxicological analysis of blood and a history of schizophrenia was reported. Although multiple self-inflicted wounds are most often caused by sharp objects such as knives, on occasion multiple gunshot wounds and rarely, blunt trauma may also be encountered. Careful integration of scene and autopsy findings may be required to avoid misinterpretation of the circumstances and manner of death.