Accidental Trauma Mimicking Homicidal Violence

Abstract

Homicide investigations represent an important function of death investigators. Although recognizing nonobvious homicides is crucial, an equally important role involves the identification of cases that initially present as possible homicides, but are ultimately discovered to not represent homicides. Failure to recognize such cases results in wasted time, squandered resources, false allegations, and potential life-altering consequences. The authors review a series of cases wherein initial investigation suggested a possibility that the deaths represented homicides. By carefully considering additional information, including scene findings, history, and postmortem examination, each was determined to represent an accidental traumatic death. In addition to highlighting the importance of recognizing accidental traumatic deaths that initially present as homicides, the cases serve to highlight the fact that forensic pathology cannot be practiced without knowledge of appropriate ancillary information. Although guarding against cognitive bias is important in all forensic disciplines, including forensic pathology, access to vital case-related ancillary information is an essential component of practicing medicine as a forensic pathologist.

Homicide in a Horse Barn?

“…Another case was reported on the death of an infant who was at first thought by police and emergency physicians to be the victim of child abuse, with the police implicating the single mother; however, autopsy findings, scene investigation, police, and medical examiners communication led to the conclusion that the infant had died of a lung infection, with the “injuries” resulting from postmortem rat activity, thus avoiding wrongful charges and potential conviction of the mother . The authors of the current case have recently reviewed and reported on an additional small series of accidental deaths that were originally considered possible homicides . All of these types of cases, as well as the presented case, illustrate the importance of cooperation and communication between investigating agencies when facing a possible homicide.…”

Homicides Disguised as Staged Suicides

“…Certification of a death as a homicide should not be undertaken lightly, as it may have profound legal ramifications. In some situations, initial impressions regarding the MOD in various types of medicolegal death investigations differ from the final rulings after autopsy and complete investigation (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). A number of investigative and autopsy findings help to differentiate a suicidal GSW case from a homicidal case.…”

A Importância do Conhecimento das Patologias Neurocirúrgicas na Perícia Médico Legal

“…A identificação, documentação, descrição adequada e comunicação de todas as lesões constatadas no exame médico legal é de valor inestimável para a investigação do crime e eventual julgamento de um caso 3,4 .…”

“…Informações contundentes na investigação pericial para auxiliar na caracterização da morte como traumática ou acidental são: a descrição do local onde o falecido foi encontrado, obtenção de informações dos antecedentes pessoais, e realização de uma necropsia detalhista e cuidadosa 3 .…”