Citation

Plenzig S, Verhoff MA, Gruber H, Kunz SN. Forensic Sci. Int. 2021; 326: e110906.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110906

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Arrest-related deaths in the context of Conducted Electrical Weapon (CEW) deployment are rare. The evaluation of such complex events is a challenge for the forensic scientist. We present a case of a 49-year old man, who was exposed to a Taser X26P during a confrontation with the police. He lost consciousness, vomited, aspirated and died after having been hospitalized for several days at the ICU. Based on the patient´s medical history, autopsy findings, witness testimonies, and reliable clinical and toxicological blood parameters, the most probable cause and mechanisms of his death are discussed. The present work demonstrates, based on one case report, the possibilities as well as limitations of forensic assessment in CEW-related deaths.

Language: en

Keywords

Forensic medicine; Arrest-related death; Aspiration pneumonia; Conducted electrical weapon; Taser