Homicide by unusual‐edged weapons: Forensic considerations of two cases

Abstract

Homicide by stab wound is common worldwide. However, the use of unusual edged weapons is rarely reported in the forensic literature. Here, we report two cases of homicide involving a Japanese sword, or katana, and a sickle. Both of these weapons can create either stab or incised wounds with some particularities. In our cases, characteristics of the external wounds, internal injuries, and the depth of penetration raised the possibility of an unusual weapon. Meticulous forensic examination of these injuries (morphological characteristics, depth of penetration, trajectories, and cut marks in the bone) may allow the forensic expert to determine the type of weapon used.

A Case of Fatal Exsanguination by a Japanese Short Sword

“…One case report described attempted homicide with a single stabbing, 7 and another described a homicide victim who had sustained multiple slashes and stabs, with the longest incised wound being 24 cm and the deepest stab into the torso being 25 cm. 8 Research papers have focused on the identification of weapons by microscopic analysis of cut marks left on bones in chop wounds. 9,10 The shinken involved or examined in those case reports and research papers have had long blades greater than 60 cm (katana), whereas the sword used in the present case report had a shorter blade between 60 and 30 cm (wakizashi).…”

“…Cases involving shinken are also rare internationally. One case report described attempted homicide with a single stabbing, 7 and another described a homicide victim who had sustained multiple slashes and stabs, with the longest incised wound being 24 cm and the deepest stab into the torso being 25 cm 8 . Research papers have focused on the identification of weapons by microscopic analysis of cut marks left on bones in chop wounds 9,10 .…”