Citation

Handlos P, Uvíra M, Dokoupil M, Marecová K. Forensic Sci. Med. Pathol. 2019; 15(3): 516-518.

Affiliation

Department of Forensic Medicine and Medical Law, University Hospital Olomouc, CZ-779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic. marecova.klara@seznam.cz.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s12024-019-00112-7

PMID

31041719

Abstract

Chop or slash wounds are produced by sharp-edged tools such as an axe, or a machete. This paper presents a case of a violent death of a 57 year-old-man. Autopsy revealed deformation of the right side of the head. A total of 23 slash, stab and cut wounds as well as contused lacerations were identified on the scalp as well as the face and the neck. In addition, superficial abrasions and bruises were identified on the skin. The immediate cause of death was due to extensive brain contusion following fragmentation of the neurocranium. The injuries resulting in the death of the victim were sustained during an assault on the head with an axe, which was used both as a slashing tool and a blunt instrument.

Language: en

Keywords

Autopsy; Axe; Brain contusion; Forensic medicine; Homicide; Slash wounds