title: [Fatal electrocution in prison].
abstract: The clarification of deaths from electric current can be difficult when electric skin marks are missing or overlooked. In the following, the fatal electric accident of a 21-year-old man in prison is reported with a scene which primarily seemed to be inconspicuous. The autopsy disclosed typical electric marks in the skin of the left thumb and the corresponding part of the left index finger. A second inspection of the jail room, which was large enough for three men, but occupied by the deceased alone, led to the finding of widely spread utensils (two forks with signs of corrosion and deformation of the prongs, radio cable with socket, water container) for the self-construction of a kind of "immersion heater" for the heating of water. The man must have suffered electrocution when touching the prongs of the forks. Death supposedly occurred due to disturbances of the cardiac rhythm after a longer interval of maintained ability to act. The case again proves the difficulties in the detection and examination of possible electric deaths in which unusual sources of electricity must be considered.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Rechtsmedizin der Universitätsmedizin Göttingen.
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Grellner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001344:Autopsy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000473:pathology*; D004556:Electric Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology; D011329:Prisoners; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology