Anatomy of a Murder: Telemetric Footprints

Mond, Harry G.; Valentine, Barbara; Randall, Robert D.; Kelsall, R.; Gregory, Michael

doi:10.1046/j.1460-9592.2002.01406.x

Cited by 7 publications

(6 citation statements)

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“…In our study, the analysis of CIEDs led to the determination of the exact date of death in 29%, whereby in 75% of these cases, even the exact time of death was determinable. Along with electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings, these telemetric footprints have been previously suggested to be a useful stamp in a murder case (21). Yet, several limitations in using a CIED as an indicator of the date and time of death exist, and our results may not be representative due to a small sample size.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

“…Afterward, the clock will run correctly again, but the previously recorded time and date regarding heart rhythm disturbances cannot be changed in retrospect. Besides, Mond et al showed that ECGs in CIEDs save the recorded rhythm events only for a certain amount of time. So if analyses are performed later, the data corresponding time of death cannot be detected anymore.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Why We Need Postmortem Analysis of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices

Mauf

Jentzsch

Laberke

et al. 2016

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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The prevalence of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) is increasing. However, postmortem analysis of CIEDs is not performed routinely. Fourteen consecutive CIEDs were analyzed. The indication for and date of implantation, technical data, CIED reprogramming, heart rhythm disturbances, patient demographics and medical consultations were investigated. Death during the first year after implantation was seen in 54%, whereof 71% consulted a physician within 10 days before death. The time of death was attributed to a particular day in 29%. There was a relationship between CIEDs and cause/manner of death in 50%. Although limited by a small sample size, this study advocates the routine postmortem CIED analysis for forensic and clinical purposes in selected cases. Patients with CIEDs seem to show an increased risk of death during the first year after implantation. The analysis of CIEDs can be helpful in evaluating the time/cause/manner of death.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Why We Need Postmortem Analysis of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices

Mauf

Jentzsch

Laberke

et al. 2016

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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“…For example, a death certificate reflecting an accurate date and time of death can assist surviving families with settlement of estates and disputed life/health insurance claims. In the criminal justice system, having an exact date and time of death may assist in cases where there are potential homicide investigations [19].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Forensic cardiac device analysis at the Los Angeles County Department of the Coroner: A 20‐year experience

Bernardes‐Souza¹,

Tiecher²,

H.³

et al. 2022

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) store information continuously; however, the log of these devices is rarely analyzed in forensic practice. We retrospectively reviewed all cases referred for CIED interrogation by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner between 2001 and 2020. According to the Department's practice, CIED interrogation may be requested for decedents in which details or cause of death are not clear from autopsy and clinical history. The CIED analysis was considered informative for the coroner's investigation either if it detected an arrhythmia or malfunction likely related to decedent's terminal event or if it was essential to determine time of death or identity of decedent. A total of 57 CIEDs were evaluated during the 20-year period. In almost half of cases (26/57: 45.6%), device analysis was informative for coroner's investigation. Arrhythmias likely related to terminal event were commonly detected (21/57: 36.8%). Device malfunction was identified as the likely cause of death in almost 10% of decedents (5/57: 8.8%), including three cases of battery depletion (3/57: 5.3%), one case of misclassification of ventricular tachycardia as supraventricular tachycardia with failure to deliver therapy (1/57: 1.7%), and one case of lead failure due to a broken pacing wire (1/57: 1.7%). Not infrequently, CIED interrogation was essential for determination of time of death (9/57: 15.8%), and there was one case (1/57: 1.7%) in which interrogation was essential for identifying the decedent. Our study shows that postmortem CIED interrogation can provide unique information regarding mechanism and time of death, and decedent's identity.

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“…There are few reports of pacemaker diagnostics influencing life after death. In one such case, pacemaker diagnostics from a St. Jude Affinity, model 5330, enabled a murderer's alibi to be foiled with the evidence being used in court 1 . In the case report presented, the pulse generator was the only witness to the final minutes of the victim's life and documented the cause and exact time of death.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In one such case, pacemaker diagnostics from a St. Jude Affinity, model 5330, enabled a murderer's alibi to be foiled with the evidence being used in court. 1 In the case report presented, the pulse generator was the only witness to the final minutes of the victim's life and documented the cause and exact time of death. Looking at the stored EGM reports, it is sobering to realize that we are watching someone's heart die.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%