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Case Reports
. 2021 Jan;66(1):398-402.
doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.14573. Epub 2020 Sep 28.

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

Narjes Karray  1   2 , Fabrice Dedouit  1 , Clarisse Dubois  1 , Frederic Savall  1 , Norbert Telmon  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

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

Narjes Karray et al. J Forensic Sci. 2021 Jan.

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.

Keywords: Japanese sword; autopsy; forensic pathology; homicide; katana; sickle; stab wounds; unusual edged weapons.

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References

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