Citation

Hunsaker DM, Thorne LB. Am. J. Forensic Med. Pathol. 2002; 23(4): 355-359.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/00000433-200212000-00011

PMID

12464812

Abstract

Suicide by self-inflicted blunt force injury is rare. The authors report a case of a 48-year-old man who initially appeared to have died of a homicidal beating. The pertinent autopsy findings consisted of blunt force closed head injury combined with numerous cutaneous abrasions and contusions of the entire body. Further inquiries confirmed a medical history of paranoid schizophrenia and a previous attempt at suicide. This case represents an extreme example of severe blunt trauma sustained during fatal self-mutilation and masquerading as a homicide. It also underscores the importance of correlating a thorough background investigation with autopsy findings in determining the appropriate manner of death.

Language: en

Keywords

Head Injuries, Closed; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Schizophrenia, Paranoid; Schizophrenic Psychology; Suicide; Wounds, Nonpenetrating