Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Imaging for homicide investigations

  • ETHICS AND FORENSIC RADIOLOGY
  • Published:
La radiologia medica Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The authors present the opportunities of the application of post-mortem imaging, focusing on post-mortem computed tomography and post-mortem computed tomography angiography in modern forensic investigation of homicide cases. The paper is based on scientific publications related to the subject from ca. the past 10 years, supplemented by the authors’ own experiences. The article is illustrated with reconstructions based on the authors’ own cases related to homicide due to ballistic/sharp/blunt trauma. As is shown, the results of evaluation of post-mortem computed tomography allow better diagnosis, documentation and visualisation of forensic examinations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Thali MJ, Viner M, Brogdon BG (2010) Brogdon’s forensic radiology, 2nd edn. CRC Press, Boca Raton

    Book  Google Scholar 

  2. Flach PM, Gascho D, Schweitzer W, Ruder TD, Berger N, Ross SG, Thali MJ, Ampanozi G (2014) Imaging in forensic radiology: an illustrated guide for postmortem computed tomography technique and protocols. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 10(4):583–606

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Thali MJ, Braun M, Buck U, Aghayev E, Jackowski C, Vock P, Sonnenschein M, Dirnhofer R (2005) VIRTOPSY-scientific documentation, reconstruction and animation in forensic: individual and real 3D data based geometric approach including optical body/object surface and radiological CT/MRI scanning. J Forensic Sci 50(2):428–442

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Thali MJ, Jackowski C, Oesterhelweg L, Ross SG, Dirnhofer R (2007) VIRTOPSY—the Swiss virtual autopsy approach. Leg Med (Tokyo) 9(2):100–104

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Roberts IS, Benamore RE, Benbow EW, Lee SH, Harris JN, Jackson A, Mallett S, Patankar T, Peebles C, Roobottom C, Traill ZC (2012) Post-mortem imaging as an alternative to autopsy in the diagnosis of adult deaths: a validation study. Lancet 379(9811):136–142

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Underwood J (2012) Post-mortem imaging and autopsy: rivals or allies? Lancet 379(9811):100–102

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Schweitzer W, Röhrich E, Schaepman M, Thali MJ, Ebert L (2013) Aspects of 3D surface scanner performance for post-mortem skin documentation in forensic medicine using rigid benchmark objects. J Forensic Radiol Imaging 1(4):167–175

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Sekula AD, Thali MJ, Breitbeck R (2014) Improving post-mortem surface documentation with a CT mounted marker board. J Forensic Radiol Imaging 2(4):213–216

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Ebert LC, Ptacek W, Breitbeck R, Fürst M, Kronreif G, Martinez RM, Thali M, Flach PM (2014) Virtobot 2.0: the future of automated surface documentation and CT-guided needle placement in forensic medicine. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 10(2):179–186

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Buck U, Kneubuehl B, Näther S, Albertini N, Schmidt L, Thali M (2011) 3D Bloodstain pattern analysis: ballistic reconstruction of the trajectories of blood drops and determination of the centres of origin of the bloodstains. Forensic Sci Int 206(1–3):22–28

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Buck U, Naether S, Räss B, Jackowski C, Thali MJ (2013) Accident or homicide—virtual crime scene reconstruction using 3D methods. Forensic Sci Int 225(1–3):75–84

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Hatch GM, Dedouit F, Christensen AM, Thali MJ, Ruder TD (2014) RADid: a pictorial review of radiologic identification using postmortem CT. J Forensic Radiol Imaging 2(2):52–59

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Pfaeffli M, Vock P, Dirnhofer R, Braun M, Bolliger SA, Thali MJ (2007) Post-mortem radiological CT identification based on classical ante-mortem X-ray examinations. Forensic Sci Int 171(2–3):111–117

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Lynch MJ, Woodford NW (2014) The role of post-mortem imaging in preliminary examinations under the Coroners Act 2008 (Vic): a forensic pathologist’s perspective. J Law Med 21(4):774–779

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Woźniak K, Moskała A, Urbanik A, Kłys M (2010) Usefulness of preliminary evaluation of postmortem CT as an extension of diagnostic capabilities of conventional forensic autopsy. Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol 60(1):27–37 Polish

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Ampanozi G, Schwendener N, Krauskopf A, Thali MJ, Bartsch C (2013) Incidental occult gunshot wound detected by postmortem computed tomography. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 9(1):68–72

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Filograna L, Ross S, Bolliger S, Germerott T, Preiss U, Flach PM, Thali M (2011) Blood aspiration as a vital sign detected by postmortem computed tomography imaging. J Forensic Sci 56(3):630–637

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Filograna L, Thali MJ, Marchetti D (2014) Forensic relevance of post-mortem CT imaging of the haemopericardium in determining the cause of death. Leg Med (Tokyo) 16(5):247–251

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Zech WD, Jackowski C, Buetikofer Y, Kara L (2014) Characterization and differentiation of body fluids, putrefaction fluid, and blood using Hounsfield unit in postmortem CT. Int J Legal Med 128(5):795–802

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Hasegawa I, Heinemann A, Tzikas A, Vogel H, Püschel K (2014) Criminal gunshot wound and iatrogenic tension pneumothorax detected by post-mortem computed tomography. Leg Med (Tokyo) 16(3):154–156

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Brough AL, Rutty GN, Black S, Morgan B (2012) Post-mortem computed tomography and 3D imaging: anthropological applications for juvenile remains. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 8(3):270–279

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Tangmose S, Jensen KE, Lynnerup N (2013) Comparative study on developmental stages of the clavicle by postmortem MRI and CT imaging. J Forensic Radiol Imaging 1(3):102–106

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Short LJ, Khambay B, Ayoub A, Erolin C, Rynn C, Wilkinson C (2014) Validation of a computer modelled forensic facial reconstruction technique using CT data from live subjects: a pilot study. Forensic Sci Int 237: 147.e1–147.e8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Franco A, Thevissen P, Coudyzer W, Develter W, Van de Voorde W, Oyen R, Vandermeulen D, Jacobs R, Willems G (2013) Feasibility and validation of virtual autopsy for dental identification using the Interpol dental codes. J Forensic Leg Med 20(4):248–254

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Kirchhoff S, Fischer F, Lindemaier G, Herzog P, Kirchhoff C, Becker C, Bark J, Reiser MF, Eisenmenger W (2008) Is post-mortem CT of the dentition adequate for correct forensic identification? Comparison of dental computed tomography and visual dental record. Int J Legal Med 122(6):471–479

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Kutschy JM, Ampanozi G, Berger N, Ruder TD, Thali MJ, Ebert LC (2014) The applicability of using different energy levels in CT imaging for differentiation or identification of dental restorative materials. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 10(4):543–549

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Errickson D, Thompson TJU, Rankin BWJ (2014) The application of 3D visualization of osteological trauma for the courtroom: a critical review. J Forensic Radiol Imaging 2(3):132–137

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Lundström C, Persson A, Ross S, Ljung P, Lindholm S, Gyllensvärd F, Ynnerman A (2012) State-of-the-art of visualization in post-mortem imaging. APMIS 120(4):316–326

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Ebert LC, Thali MJ, Ross S (2011) Getting in touch-3D printing in forensic imaging. Forensic Sci Int 211(1–3):e1–e6

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Grabherr S, Doenz F, Steger B, Dirnhofer R, Dominguez A, Sollberger B, Gygax E, Rizzo E, Chevallier C, Meuli R, Mangin P (2011) Multi-phase post-mortem CT angiography: development of a standardized protocol. Int J Legal Med 125(6):791–802

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Ross SG, Bolliger SA, Ampanozi G, Oesterhelweg L, Thali MJ, Flach PM (2014) Postmortem CT angiography: capabilities and limitations in traumatic and natural causes of death. Radiographics 34(3):830–846

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Ruder TD, Ross S, Preiss U, Thali MJ (2010) Minimally invasive post-mortem CT-angiography in a case involving a gunshot wound. Leg Med (Tokyo) 12(3):154–156

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Andenmatten MA, Thali MJ, Kneubuehl BP, Oesterhelweg L, Ross S, Spendlove D, Bolliger SA (2008) Gunshot injuries detected by post-mortem multislice computed tomography (MSCT): a feasibility study. Leg Med (Tokyo) 10(6):287–292

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Makhlouf F, Scolan V, Ferretti G, Stahl C, Paysant F (2013) Gunshot fatalities: correlation between post-mortem multi-slice computed tomography and autopsy findings: a 30-months retrospective study. Leg Med (Tokyo) 15(3):145–148

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Berens S, Ketterer T, Kneubuehl BP, Thali MJ, Ross S, Bolliger SA (2011) A case of homicidal intraoral gunshot and review of the literature. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 7(2):209–212

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Jeffery AJ, Rutty GN, Robinson C, Morgan B (2008) Computed tomography of projectile injuries. Clin Radiol 63(10):1160–1166

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Peschel O, Szeimies U, Vollmar C, Kirchhoff S (2013) Postmortem 3-D reconstruction of skull gunshot injuries. Forensic Sci Int 233(1–3):45–50

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Flach PM, Ampanozi G, Germerott T, Ross SG, Krauskopf A, Thali MJ, Mund MT (2013) Shot sequence detection aided by postmortem computed tomography in a case of homicide. J Forensic Radiol Imaging 1(2):68–72

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Winklhofer S, Stolzmann P, Meier A, Schweitzer W, Morsbach F, Flach P, Kneubuehl BP, Alkadhi H, Thali M, Ruder T (2014) Added value of dual-energy computed tomography versus single-energy computed tomography in assessing ferromagnetic properties of ballistic projectiles: implications for magnetic resonance imaging of gunshot victims. Invest Radiol 49(6):431–437

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Winskog C (2012) Precise wound track measurement requires CAT scan with object in situ: how accurate is post-mortem dissection and evaluation? Forensic Sci Med Pathol 8(1):76–77

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Ebner L, Flach PM, Schumann K, Gascho D, Ruder T, Christe A, Thali M, Ampanozi G (2014) The tip of the tip of the knife: stab sequence reconstruction using postmortem CT in a homicide case. J Forensic Radiol Imaging 2(4):205–209

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Kawasumi Y, Hosokai Y, Usui A, Saito H, Ishibashi T, Funayama M (2012) Postmortem computed tomography images of a broken piece of a weapon in the skull. Jpn J Radiol 30(2):167–170

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Palmiere C, Binaghi S, Doenz F, Bize P, Chevallier C, Mangin P, Grabherr S (2012) Detection of hemorrhage source: the diagnostic value of post-mortem CT-angiography. Forensic Sci Int 222(1–3):33–39

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Germerott T, Preiss US, Ross SG, Thali MJ, Flach PM (2013) Postmortem ventilation in cases of penetrating gunshot and stab wounds to the chest. Leg Med (Tokyo) 15(6):298–302

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Schnider J, Thali MJ, Ross S, Oesterhelweg L, Spendlove D, Bolliger SA (2009) Injuries due to sharp trauma detected by post-mortem multislice computed tomography (MSCT): a feasibility study. Leg Med (Tokyo) 11(1):4–9

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Moskała A, Woźniak K, Kluza P, Bolechała F, Rzepecka-Woźniak E, Kołodziej J, Latacz K (2012) Validity of post-mortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) in medico-legal diagnostic management of stab and incised wounds. Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol 62(4):315–326 Polish

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Oesterhelweg L, Ross S, Spendlove D, Schoen CA, Christe A, Thali MJ, Bolliger SA (2007) Virtopsy: fatal stab wounds to the skull—the relevance of ante-mortem and post-mortem radiological data in case reconstructions. Leg Med (Tokyo) 9(6):314–317

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Zerbini T, Silva LF, Ferro AC, Kay FU, Amaro Junior E, Pasqualucci CA, Saldiva PH (2014) Differences between postmortem computed tomography and conventional autopsy in a stabbing murder case. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 69(10):683–687

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Bolliger SA, Ruder TD, Ketterer T, Gläser N, Thali MJ, Ampanozi G (2014) Comparison of stab wound probing versus radiological stab wound channel depiction with contrast medium. Forensic Sci Int 234:45–49

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Leth PM, Stolborg U (2013) Computed tomography of contrast-filled stab wounds in various tissue types. J Forensic Radiol Imaging 1(2):79

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Ampanozi G, Hatch GM, Ruder TD, Flach PM, Germerott T, Thali MJ, Ebert LC (2012) Post-mortem virtual estimation of free abdominal blood volume. Eur J Radiol 81(9):2133–2136

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Aghayev E, Christe A, Sonnenschein M, Yen K, Jackowski C, Thali MJ, Dirnhofer R, Vock P (2008) Postmortem imaging of blunt chest trauma using CT and MRI: comparison with autopsy. J Thorac Imaging 23(1):20–27

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Schulze C, Hoppe H, Schweitzer W, Schwendener N, Grabherr S, Jackowski C (2013) Rib fractures at postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) validated against the autopsy. Forensic Sci Int 233(1–3):90–98

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Jacobsen C, Lynnerup N (2010) Craniocerebral trauma—congruence between post-mortem computed tomography diagnoses and autopsy results: a 2-year retrospective study. Forensic Sci Int 194(1–3):9–14

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Yen K, Lövblad KO, Scheurer E, Ozdoba C, Thali MJ, Aghayev E, Jackowski C, Anon J, Frickey N, Zwygart K, Weis J, Dirnhofer R (2007) Post-mortem forensic neuroimaging: correlation of MSCT and MRI findings with autopsy results. Forensic Sci Int 173(1):21–35

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Persson A, Falk J, Berge J, Jackowski C (2013) Atlanto-axial rotatory subluxations in postmortem CT: radiologists be aware of a common pitfall. Forensic Sci Int 225(1–3):9–14

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. de Bakker BS, Soerdjbalie-Maikoe V, de Bakker HM (2013) The use of 3D-CT in weapon caused impression fractures of the skull, from a forensic radiological point of view. J Forensic Radiol Imaging 1(4):176–179

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Ampanozi G, Ruder TD, Preiss U, Aschenbroich K, Germerott T, Filograna L, Thali MJ (2010) Virtopsy: CT and MR imaging of a fatal head injury caused by a hatchet: a case report. Leg Med (Tokyo) 12(5):238–241

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Grassberger M, Gehl A, Püschel K, Turk EE (2011) 3D reconstruction of emergency cranial computed tomography scans as a tool in clinical forensic radiology after survived blunt head trauma—report of two cases. Forensic Sci Int 207(1–3):e19–e23

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Woźniak K, Rzepecka-Woźniak E, Moskała A, Pohl J, Latacz K, Dybała B (2012) Weapon identification using antemortem computed tomography with virtual 3D and rapid prototype modeling—a report in a case of blunt force head injury. Forensic Sci Int 222(1–3):e29–e32

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Kempter M, Ross S, Spendlove D, Flach PM, Preiss U, Thali MJ, Bolliger SA (2009) Post-mortem imaging of laryngohyoid fractures in strangulation incidents: first results. Leg Med (Tokyo) 11(6):267–271

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Maiese A, Gitto L, dell’Aquila M, Bolino G (2014) When the hidden features become evident: the usefulness of PMCT in a strangulation-related death. Leg Med (Tokyo) 16(6):364–366

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. Guddat SS, Gapert R, Tsokos M, Oesterhelweg L (2013) Proof of live birth using postmortem multislice computed tomography (pmMSCT) in cases of suspected neonaticide: advantages of diagnostic imaging compared to conventional autopsy. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 9(1):3–12

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Sieswerda-Hoogendoorn T, Soerdjbalie-Maikoe V, Maes A, van Rijn RR (2013) The value of post-mortem CT in neonaticide in case of severe decomposition: description of 12 cases. Forensic Sci Int 233(1–3):298–303

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Takahashi Y, Sano R, Kominato Y, Takei H, Kobayashi S, Shimada T, Awata S, Hirasawa S (2013) Usefulness of postmortem computed tomography for demonstrating cerebral hemorrhage in a brain too fragile for macroscopic examination. J Forensic Radiol Imaging 1(4):212–214

    Article  Google Scholar 

  66. Thali MJ, Yen K, Schweitzer W, Vock P, Ozdoba C, Dirnhofer R (2003) Into the decomposed body-forensic digital autopsy using multislice-computed tomography. Forensic Sci Int 134(2–3):109–114

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Ruder TD, Schulze K, Ross S, Ampanozi G, Gascho D, Laberke P, Thali MJ, Hatch GM (2014) Into the decomposed body—feasibility of post-mortem CT angiography in a decomposed cadaver. J Forensic Radiol Imaging 2(3):149–152

    Article  Google Scholar 

  68. Winklhofer S, Surer E, Ampanozi G, Ruder T, Stolzmann P, Elliott M, Oestreich A, Kraemer T, Thali M, Alkadhi H, Schweitzer W (2014) Post-mortem whole body computed tomography of opioid (heroin and methadone) fatalities: frequent findings and comparison to autopsy. Eur Radiol 24(6):1276–1282

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Richards CS, Simonsen TJ, Abel RL, Hall MJ, Schwyn DA, Wicklein M (2012) Virtual forensic entomology: improving estimates of minimum post-mortem interval with 3D micro-computed tomography. Forensic Sci Int 220(1–3):251–264

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Schweitzer W, Bartsch C, Ruder TD, Thali MJ (2014) Virtopsy approach: structured reporting versus free reporting for PMCT findings. J Forensic Radiol Imaging 2(1):28–33

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Author’s PMCTA research approved by the Jagiellonian University Bioethics Committee (KBET/225/B/2012).

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical standards

This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Krzysztof Woźniak.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Woźniak, K., Moskała, A. & Rzepecka-Woźniak, E. Imaging for homicide investigations. Radiol med 120, 846–855 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-015-0529-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-015-0529-x

Keywords

Navigation