Horizontal Distance and Height Determining Falling Pattern

Abstract

Falling from a height, usually from a building, occurs ordinarily in suicide, in some accidents, and sometimes as an act of homicide. The point of trajectory, the horizontal distance and the impact point are closely related to the initial velocity, angle and height. This study examines the falling pattern in order to determine the mental status of the jumper as well as the manner of death. Initial velocity is found using horizontal movement and height. A serial study of athletes performing both the running jump (long jump) and standing jump (swimmer's start jump) via biomechanical methods is described. The initial velocity of the running jump and standing jump in normal athletics is 9.15 and 2.70 m/s with initial jumping angles of 21 and 38 deg, respectively. The maximal horizontal velocity of 9.15 m/s is closely related to maximal strength of initial velocity, angle of engaged force, and height. Theoretical estimation of the initial velocity between 2.70 and 9.15 m/s is correlative with the unique initial velocity and running jump to fall from a height that is closely related to the voluntary and attempted jump. Hence, the jumping victim with an initial velocity higher than 2.70 m/s implies suicide. These results indicate that horizontal distance and height are legitimate measures to use in speculating on the falling pattern and the manner of death. A unique case of suicide involving a run and jump with initial velocity greater than 2.70 m/s is illustrated.

Analysis of jumping/falling distance from a height

“…Shaw and Hsu measured the maximal initial velocity of the running jump and the standing jump in athletes in relation to the horizontal distance of falling [13]. Their results indicate that conclusions concerning the falling pattern and the manner of death may be drawn from the horizontal distance and the falling height.…”

“…[12]). Basic investigations have been performed by Shaw and Hsu, showing the horizontal distance and height determining falling pattern [13].…”

Jumping and falling death in children, adolescents, and young adults

“…The point of trajectory, the horizontal distance and the impact point are closely related to the initial velocity, angle, and height. Shaw et al 22 investigated the horizontal distance and height is legitimate measures to use in speculating on the falling pattern and the manner of death.…”

Planned complex suicide: Self-strangulation and fall from height

“…A study described that an initial launch speed exceeding 2.7 m/s indicates suicide. 33 The maximal initial velocity of the running jump and the standing jump in athletes were measured in relation to the horizontal distance of falling. Nevertheless, some internal factors such as suicidal thoughts or fear might be needed to assess the circumstances of a fall.…”