title: A study of homicidal deaths in medico-legal autopsies at UMMC, Kuala Lumpur.
abstract: The main aim of this study was to determine the causes and epidemiological aspects of homicidal deaths. Data were collected on 217 homicidal victims from the total number of 2762 autopsies performed in UMMC, Kuala Lumpur over a five-year period, from year 1999 to 2003. There were 194 male victims and 23 female victims. The largest number of victims (63.6%) were in the age group of 20-39 years. Indians comprised the maximum proportion of victims (28.1%). Approximately 71.9% of victims came from the semiskilled and unskilled group. A majority of victims were married (47%). Injuries caused by sharp weapons (41%) were the most common cause of death, followed by blunt trauma and firearm injuries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology (Forensic Unit), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. virendrakr@ummail.um.edu.my
authors.forename: Virendra
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Adeline Khaw Mae
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Ahmad Zaid
authors.initials: AZ
authors.lastname: Zanial
authors.forename: Ding Ai
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Syahrul Anuar
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Salleh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006708:Homicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D017678:Sex Distribution