Citation

Herbst J, Hoppe B, Haffner HT. Rechtsmedizin 2000; 10(1): 14-20.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s001940050124

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In a series of 100 sharp force fatalities - 70 homicides and 30 suicides - the differential diagnostic value of classical findings indicating homicidal or self-infliction was examined. The sensitivity of morphological discrimination criteria is not very high in most cases: tentative or hesitation injuries 63%, defense injuries 47%, exposure of the injured area 30%, stabbing through clothing 75% and rib injuries in the case of stab wounds to the chest 57%. If tentative or hesitation injuries (specificity 93%) or defense injuries (specificity 93%) are present, or if the injured area is exposed (specificity 100%) then these findings can be attributed to a large degree to either homicide or suicide. Case studies are presented to demonstrate the possibility of false positive interpretations of findings including threatening situations that precede a homicide or attempts at intimidation, sadomasochistic practices, static defense constellations, the use of a blunt knife when a victim is unable to react, or ritual actions which may be mistaken for tentative or hesitation injuries. Cuts on the inner surface of the hand that result from clumsy handling with a tool may be mistaken for defense injuries. In severe fight situations the clothing might have ridden up at the time of stabbing. Other findings cannot be attributed with a high significance due to a lack of specificity.

Language: en

Keywords

article; automutilation; Defense injuries; differential diagnosis; Exposure; fatality; Hesitation injuries; homicide; Homicide; human; laboratory diagnosis; Sharp force; suicide; Suicide; Tentative injuries