Multiple self-inflicted stab wounds to neck, chest and abdomen as a unique manner of suicide.
This is a case report of a 30-year-old man found dead in his flat lying on the floor with multiple stab wounds over the body, surrounded by an extensive volume of blood. Examination of the scene of death showed a secure flat, locked from inside. A blood-stained knife was present close to the body and two unstained notes left on the sofa at the locus. A small plastic bag containing white powder (which following toxicological examinations appeared to be cocaine) and an almost full bottle of beer were present on a table. Autopsy revealed more than 40 stab wounds to neck, chest, and abdomen arranged in isolated groups within which the wounds showed similar directions and had a transverse orientation. Together with hesitation marks located on the neck and wrists these characteristics allowed to interpret this case as a suicide.
Kaliszan
Michał
M
Forensic Medicine Section, University of Edinburgh, Division of Pathology, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, United Kingdom. michalkal@amg.gda.pl
Kernbach-Wighton
Gerhard
G
Bouhaidar
Ralph
R
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D003042:Cocaine / Q000097:blood; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D000431:Ethanol / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D008099:Liver / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009294:Narcotics / Q000097:blood; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D013405:Suicide; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000473:pathology*
D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D009294:Narcotics; D000431:Ethanol; D003042:Cocaine