Homicidal sharp force cases: An 11-year autopsy-based study

Abstract

Sharp force injuries represent a major constituent of physical assaults and homicidal fatalities, especially in countries with strict firearm legislations. In forensic investigations, the examination of homicidal sharp force cases remains a challenge for both determining the cause and manner of a death. The aim of this study is to analyze the patterns of homicidal sharp force cases in Northern Tunisia. We perform a descriptive study with a retrospective data collection over an 11-year period (January 2007-December 2017). During the study period, 405 cases of homicidal sharp force casualties were observed. The mean age was 33.9 years, with a range of 2 months-89 years. We note a male predominance (male to female ratio of 4.7), most of who were single (91.2%). The casualties lived mainly in urban areas (68.4%) and were unemployed or daily workers in 61% of cases. Assaults occurred mainly during summer (52.4%) at weekends (38%) in a public place (62.4%) with essentially one perpetrator (68.6%) who was an acquaintance of the deceased in 32.6% of cases. The injuries were primarily located in the thorax (75%) and were associated with defensive wounds in the upper limbs. The most frequent cause of death observed was hemorrhage (82.9%). The analysis of patterns in homicidal sharp force cases allows us to construct specific preventive measures that target young males. Lesion analysis aids forensic specialists in following a thorough autopsy to determine the causes of death.

Keywords: Autopsy; Epidemiology; Forensic medicine; Homicide; Sharp force; Tunisia.