Complex Suicide: An Unusual Case with Six Methods Applied

The differential diagnosis between self-inflicted and nonself-inflicted, suicidal and homicidal, injuries is difficult or impossible in many cases and, above all, cannot be made on the basis of information obtained solely from the autopsy or the medicolegal clinical examination. The purpose of this study is to analyze the literature on suicidal and homicidal sharp force injuries and identify the relevant parameters that may help differentiate between suicidal and homicidal deaths. To achieve this goal, a review of 595 potentially relevant articles was performed. After excluding the nonrelevant papers by screening the titles, all abstracts were reviewed, and articles meeting the inclusion criteria underwent a full-text review. The following parameters were compiled into a table: number of cases, localization of the injuries, and number of injuries. The data were statistically analyzed and compared with those available in the forensic literature. On the basis of the heterogeneity of data revealed by the present review, a simple and short checklist of the parameters that should be included when reporting suicides and homicides by sharp force has been proposed.

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“…The data collected from reviewing the literature concerning suicidal and homicidal injuries are summarized in Table .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In suicides, the injury is usually single with several hesitation marks near the fatal wound . At the same time, unusual cases are available in the literature, including four suicides in which number of injuries was between 11 and 15 , and five cases with more than 25 wounds, with a maximum of 92 injuries .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Suicidal or Homicidal Sharp Force Injuries? A Review and Critical Analysis of the Heterogeneity in the Forensic Literature

De-Giorgio

Lodise

Quaranta

et al. 2014

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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“…Moreover, based on the shape of the contusion mark and the finding of two used blank cartridges at the scene of death, the weapon was placed to the skin and fired twice. The heart is often targeted since severe injury to the heart ought to result in a successful suicide attempt . However, in our case, the unusual mechanism of injury by “gas missile” indicated that the pericardium remained undamaged, thus allowing the victim to fire another gunshot.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%

An Unplanned Complex Suicide by Multiple Blank Cartridge Gunshots and Cutting

Kučerová

Zátopková

Vojtíšek

et al. 2018

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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Blank firing guns are readily accessible in most countries due to an absence of legal regulations. These weapons are capable of causing lethal injuries. We report a rare case of secondary (unplanned) complex suicide committed with a knife and blank cartridge pistol. A 59-year-old man was found dead with three superficial incisions in his neck and a gunshot wound to the chest. The external examination revealed an entrance wound in the left chest region consistent with contact shooting. The appearance of a muzzle imprint suggested two discharges. The autopsy showed a slightly hemorrhaged but otherwise intact pericardium, blood in the pericardial sac, and a channel-like defect in the anterior wall of the left cardiac ventricle. The cause of death was attributed to cardiac tamponade. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of unplanned complex suicide involving an unmodified blank firing gun.

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“…In unplanned complex suicides selfinflicted injuries by a sharp instrument, especially cuts of the wrists, are often found as the primary act of suicide. 2 Petkovic´et al 3 and Nikolic´et al 4 reported combination of non-fatal wrist cuts with other suicide methods. Serafettin et al, 5 in their series of complex suicides, mentioned combinations of wrist cutting along with medicine overdose or gunshot wounds to other parts of the body.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Cut wrists, electrocution and subsequent drowning in a water drum: An unusual combination of methods in complex suicide

et al. 2013

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A 25-year-old male was found dead in a water drum inside the bathroom of his house one morning. Autopsy revealed a fatal right wrist cut, superficial cuts on middle phalanx of left index finger and features of ante mortem drowning. Investigation revealed the victim was an alcoholic and was depressed due to financial problems. On the previous night, under the influence of alcohol, he first tried to commit suicide by cutting wrist with razor blades, but death was not immediate. He then attempted electrocuting himself by touching a live wire, inside the bathroom, which failed and finally he drowned in a water drum. The victim had left a message, written with his blood on the floor of the room, reflecting his suicidal intentions. In complex suicide, many bizarre methods are used, but this combination of methods is unusual and not found in available forensic literature.

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Complex Suicide: An Unusual Case with Six Methods Applied

Cited by 27 publications

References 15 publications

Suicidal or Homicidal Sharp Force Injuries? A Review and Critical Analysis of the Heterogeneity in the Forensic Literature

Suicidal or Homicidal Sharp Force Injuries? A Review and Critical Analysis of the Heterogeneity in the Forensic Literature

An Unplanned Complex Suicide by Multiple Blank Cartridge Gunshots and Cutting

Cut wrists, electrocution and subsequent drowning in a water drum: An unusual combination of methods in complex suicide

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