@article{ref1,
title="Homicide-associated burning in Cape Town, South Africa",
journal="American journal of forensic medicine and pathology",
year="1994",
author="Lerer, L. B.",
volume="15",
number="4",
pages="344-347",
abstract="To describe the features of homicide-associated burnings (HAB) and examine factors that distinguish between intentional and accidental fatal burn injury, we undertook a review of all burn cases admitted to the Salt River State Mortuary, Cape Town, South Africa, between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1992. Of 358 burn-related deaths, 35 (10%) were homicides; five (14%) of these were described as &quot;necklacings.&quot; No significant difference existed in age, sex, residential status, or extent of burn injury between the HAB and adult residential fire victims (ARFV). Of the HAB, 44% had soot in the trachea and main bronchi, whereas soot was present in 83% of the ARFV (p = 0.001). The median blood carbon monoxide saturation was 12% in the HAB and 30% in the ARFV (p = 0.001). Of the HAB, 48% had a blood alcohol concentration > 0.1 g/100 ml, whereas this concentration was noted in 70% of ARFV (p = 0.02). Evidence of either gunshot, stabbing, or blunt force injury was seen in 82% of the HAB. Although some significant autopsy parameters characterize HAB, we conclude that the forensic pathologist should diligently seek evidence of homicidal injury in all fatal burn cases.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0195-7910",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}