An autopsy evaluation of defence wounds in 195 homicidal deaths due to stabbing.
Defence wounds may be of value in differentiating between homicide, suicide and accidental death. A study of 3183 forensic autopsies in Istanbul between 1988 and 1989 showed that 195 deaths (6.1%) were due to stab wounds, and that defence wounds were found in 38.5% of the victims. Defence wounds were seen on 35.2% of males, and 54.5% of females; 39.7% of defence wounds were classified as 'active' and 60.3% as 'passive'; 40.5% were seen on the right hand and forearm, and 59.5% on the left side. There was no connection in this study between the occurrence of defence wounds and the consumption of alcohol by the victim before the stabbing.
Katkici
U
U
Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, Sivas, Turkey.
Ozkök
M S
MS
Orsal
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001344:Autopsy; D000431:Ethanol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006708:Homicide; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014421:Turkey; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000209:etiology*
D000431:Ethanol