Citation

Handlos P, Joukal M, Dokoupil M, Uvíra M, Marecová K. Am. J. Forensic Med. Pathol. 2019; 40(3): 293-297.

Affiliation

Department of Forensic Medicine and Medical Law, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/PAF.0000000000000493

PMID

31205059

Abstract

Reconstruction of a criminal offense is a crucial approach in forensics and criminalistics allowing for the verification of the location, the particular method used, or the use of a specific instrument. This report describes the case of a young man who was killed by an arrow shot from a crossbow. The autopsy revealed a penetration of the head and significant damage to the brain stem. Although the cause of death was evident from the outset, it was necessary to clarify whether or not the arrow was shot as necessary self-defense. Ballistic investigation of the seized weapon and reconstruction of the crime was absolutely essential to bring forth conclusive evidence to convict the perpetrators of the murder.

Language: en