Abstract
Injuries caused by sharp or pointed objects are common. They rarely cause fatal injuries, however, and the fatality rate is estimated to be 3% at most. Most fatalities caused by sharp force are homicides. The ratio of homicide to suicide is estimated at 6:1 to 5:2. When investigating deaths owing to sharp force, the forensic pathologist is expected to give an opinion on the following points: the type of injuries; the number and anatomical distribution of injuries; the shape, size, length, and depth of injuries; the object (weapon) used; the amount of force needed to inflict the injuries; the extent of internal injuries; the cause of death; and the victim’s capability to act. These points are of decisive importance for the reconstruction of the sequence of events and, thus, are essential for distinguishing between self-infliction and involvement of another party. Most homicides by sharp force are committed by males, often under the influence of alcohol. The most common tool used is a knife, but other pointed objects, such as scissors, ice picks, forks, or broken glass, may also be used. The victims are usually family members or acquaintances. Homicides committed by females are comparatively rare. In such cases, the victims are mostly the life partners. The scene of death is most frequently the victim’s home. Fatal stabs are usually located in the precordial or cervical region. The number of stabs does not allow the drawing of conclusions as to the mode of death, the motive, or sex of the perpetrator. When the number of stabs is higher than necessary to kill the victim, this is referred to as “overkill,” and may point to a strong emotional conflict between the perpetrator and the victim.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Purdue BN (2000) Cutting and piercing. In Mason JK and Purdue BN, eds., The Pathology of Trauma, 3rd ed. Arnold, London, pp. 123–140.
Walton CB, Blaisdell FW, Jordan RG, Bodan BI (1989) The injury potential and lethality of stab wounds: a Folsom prison study. J Trauma 29, 99–101.
Webb E, Wyatt JP, Henry J, Busuttil A (1999) A comparison of fatal with non-fatal knife injuries in Edinburgh. Forensic Sci Int 99, 179–187.
Lieske K, Püschel K, Bußmann E (1987) Suizid durch 120 Bruststichverletzungen? Arch Kriminol 180, 143–149.
Gill JR, Catanese C (2002) Sharp injury fatalities in New York City. J Forensic Sci 47, 554–557.
Start RD, Milroy CM, Green MA (1992) Suicide by self-stabbing. Forensic Sci Int 56, 89–94.
Bajanowski T, Varro A, Sepulchre MA (1991) Tod durch scharfe Gewalt. Krimi-nologische und kriminalistische Aspekte. Arch Kriminol 187, 65–74.
Große Perdekamp M, Bohnert M, Pollak S (2000) Zur Kasuistik der akzidentellen Herzstichverletzung. Arch Kriminol 205, 169–176.
Herbst J, Hoppe B, Haffner HT (1999) Kriterien der Fremd-oder Selbstbeib-ringung bei Todesfällen durch scharfe Gewalt. Rechtsmedizin 10, 14–20.
Ormstad K, Karlsson T, Enkler L, Law B, Rajs J (1986) Patterns in sharp force fatalities — a comprehensive forensic medical study. J Forensic Sci 31, 529–542.
DiMaio VJM, DiMaio DJ (2001) Forensic Pathology, 2nd ed. CRC, Boca Raton, FL.
Pollak S, Saukko PJ (2003) Atlas of Forensic Medicine (on CD-ROM). Elsevier, Amsterdam.
Prokop O, Göhler W (1976) Forensische Medizin, 3rd ed. Fischer, Stuttgart, New York.
Saukko PJ, Knight B (2004) Knight’s Forensic Pathology, 3rd ed. Arnold, London.
Spitz WU (1993) Medicolegal Investigation of Death, 3rd ed. Thomas, Springfield, MA.
Brinkmann B, Madea B (2004) Handbuch Gerichtliche Medizin. Springer, Berlin.
Miller M, Azrael D, Hemenway D (2002) Rates of household firearm ownership and homicide across US regions and states, 1988–1997. Am J Public Health 92, 1988–1993.
Arnett JC Jr (2002) Statistical association between firearm availability and an increased incidence of violent death in children. J Trauma 53, 397.
Stolinsky DC (2001) Violence in the USA. Lancet 357, 390.
Anderson M, Kaufman J, Simon TR, et al. (2001) School-associated violent deaths in the United States, 1994–1999. JAMA 286, 2695–2702.
Hemenway D, Miller M (2000) Firearm availability and homicide rates across 26 high-income countries. J Trauma 49, 985–988.
Shahpar C, Li G (1999) Homicide mortality in the United States, 1935–1994: age, period, and cohort effects. Am J Epidemiol 150, 1213–1222.
Karlsson T (1998) Sharp force homicides in the Stockholm area, 1983–1992. Forensic Sci Int 94, 129–139.
Rogde S, Olving JH (1996) Characteristics of fire victims in different sorts of fire. Forensic Sci Int 77, 93–99.
Hougen HP, Rogde S, Poulsen K (1999) Homicides in two Scandinavian capitals. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 20, 293–299.
Rogde S, Hougen HP, Poulsen K (2000) Homicide by sharp force in two Scandinavian capitals. Forensic Sci Int 109, 135–145.
Curchod Fernandez C, La Harpe R (2001) Täterbezogene Analyse der vorsät-zlichen Tötungsdelikte im Kanton Genf (1971–1990). Arch Kriminol 207, 12–18.
Rouse DA (1994) Patterns of stab wounds: a six year study. Med Sci Law 34, 67–71.
Avis SP (1996) Homicide in Newfoundland: a nine-year review. J Forensic Sci 41, 101–105.
Lo M, Vuletic JC, Koelmeyer TD (1992) Homicides in Auckland, New Zealand. A 14-year study. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 13, 44–49.
Kua EH, Yuan AF, Ang AL (1985) Homicide in Singapore. Med Sci Law 25, 26–28.
Hüttemann H (2004) Tötungsdelikte durch scharfe Gewalt. Medical Thesis, Albert-Ludwigs-University Press, Freiburg, Germany.
Hunt AC, Cowling RJ (1991) Murder by stabbing. Forensic Sci Int 52, 107–112.
Padosch A, Passinger C, Schmidt P, Madea B (2003) Analyse der Tötungsdelikte 1989–1999 im Versorgungsgebiet des Bonner Institutes für Rechtmedizin unter Berücksichtigung ausgewählter Aspekte. Arch Kriminol 211, 147–159.
Bohnert M, Müller FS, Große Perdekamp M, Thoma R (2004) Tötungsdelikt mit postmortaler Öffnung von Brust-und Bauchhöhle morphologische, kriminalistis-che und forensisch-psychiatrische Aspekte. Arch Kriminol 214, 37–47.
Geberth VJ (1996) Practical Homicide Investigation, 3rd ed. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.
Ressler RK, Burgess AW, Douglas JE, Hartman C, D’Agostino R (1986) Sexual killers and their victims: identifying patterns through crime scene analysis. J Inter-pers Violence 1, 288–308.
Ressler RK, Burgess AW, Douglas JE (1992) Sexual Homicide. Patterns and Motives. The Free Press, New York.
Douglas JE, Burgess AW, Burgess AG, Ressler RK (1992) Crime Classification Manual. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA.
Eckert WG, James SH (1992) Interpretation of Bloodstain Evidence. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.
Bevel T, Gardner RM (2001) Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, 2nd ed. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.
Lee HC, Palmbach T, Miller MT (2001) Henry Lee’s Crime Scene Handbook. Academic Press, San Diego, CA.
Wilson CI, Altschul S, Mead A, Flannagan LM (2004) Bloodstain pattern analysis in a case of suicide with a compound bow and arrow. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 25, 80–82.
Wonder AY (2003) Fact or fiction in bloodstain pattern evidence. Sci Justice 43, 166–168.
Kleiber M, Stiller D, Wiegand P (2001) Assessment of shooting distance on the basis of bloodstain analysis and histological examinations. Forensic Sci Int 119, 260–262.
Ristenbatt RR 3rd, Shaler RC (1995) A bloodstain pattern interpretation in a homicide case involving an apparent “stomping.” J Forensic Sci 40, 139–145.
Brinkmann B (1988) Expertisen an biologischen Spuren. Z Rechtsmed 100, 39–54.
Pizzola PA, Roth S, De Forest PR (1986) Blood droplet dynamics I. J Forensic Sci 31, 36–49.
Eisenmenger W (2004) Spitze, scharfe und halbscharfe Gewalt. In Brinkmann B, Madea B, eds., Handbuch Gerichtliche Medizin. Springer, Heidelberg, pp. 571–591.
Spitz WU (1993) Sharp force injury. In Spitz WU, ed., Medicolegal Investigation of Death, 3rd ed. Thomas, Springfield, MA, pp. 252–310.
Madea B, Schmidt P (1993) Über ungewöhnliche suizidale Stichverletzungen. ArchKriminol 192, 137–148.
Madea B, Lignitz E, Weinke H (1993) Schädelverletzungen durch Schlag mit Glasflaschen. Arch Kriminol 192, 73–79.
Klose W, Pribilla O (1989) Ungewöhnlicher Suizid durch Stich in den Nacken. ArchKriminol 183, 157–162.
Maurri M, Penolazzi P (1989) Ein eigenartiger Selbstmordfall. Arch Kriminol 183, 79–86.
Mehrotra VK, Yadav AY (1984) Murder revealed by a broken piece of glass bangle: a case report. Med Sci Law 24, 179–180.
Rauschke J (1956) Beitrag zur Erkennung von Scherenstichverletzungen. Dtsch Z Gesamte Gerichtl Med 45, 53–61.
Althoff H (1975) Ungewöhnliche perforierende Scherenstichverletzungen des Schädels. Kriminalistik 29, 157–160.
Faller-Marquardt M, Pollak S (1996) Homicide with a screwdriver and simulation of a similar offence by self-infliction of injuries. J Clin Forensic Med 3, 141–147.
Kosyra H (1955) Aus Fehlern lernt man am meisten. Kriminalistik 9, 149–149.
Nadjem H, Pollak S (1993) Erscheinungsformen von Schraubendreherverletzun-gen. Arch Kriminol 192, 27–36.
Pollak S (1989) Befundmuster bei Verletzungen durch “Überlebensmesser”. Arch Kriminol 183, 11–20.
Nadjem H, Bohnert M, Pollak S (1999) Erscheinungsformen von Verletzungen durch Macheten und ungewöhnlich große Messer. Arch Kriminol 204, 163–174.
Bosch K (1973) Die Widerstandsfähigkeit von Textilien beim Stich. Beitr Gerichtl Med31, 173–179.
Bosch K (1974) Widerstandsmessungen bei Stichen durch Textilien. Beitr Gerichtl Med 32, 232.
Fazekas IG, Kosa F, Bajnoczky I, Jobba G, Szendrenyi J (1972) Mechanische Untersuchung der Kraft durchbohrender Einstiche an der menschlichen Haut und verschiedenen Kleidungsschichten. Z Rechtsmed 70, 235–240.
Fazekas IG, Kosa G, Bajnoczky I, Jobba G, Sezenrenyi J (1972) Untersuchung mechanischer Faktoren bei experimentellen Stich verletzungen. Z Rechtsmed 70, 223–228.
Kaatsch HJ, Mehrens C, Nietert M (1993) Der reproduzierbare Messerstich. Rechtsmedizin 3, 67–76.
Knight B (1975) The dynamics of stab wounds. Forensic Sci Int 6, 249–255.
Weber W, Milz U (1975) Dynamik manueller Stichversuche. Z Rechtsmed 75, 285–292.
Weber W, Milz U (1974) Auftreffgeschwindigkeiten manueller Stichversuche. Z Rechtsmed 74, 267–271.
Weber W, Schweitzer H (1973) Stichversuche an Leichen mit unterschiedlicher kinetischer Energie. Beitr Gerichtl Med 31, 180–184.
Weber W, Schweitzer H, Milz U (1973) Stich-Dynamik im menschlichen Körpergewebe. Z Rechtsmed 73, 295–300.
O’Callaghan PT, Jones MD, James DS, Leadbeatter S, Holt CA, Nokes LD (1999) Dynamics of stab wounds: force required for penetration of various cadaveric human tissues. Forensic Sci Int 104, 173–178.
Blomqvist L, Hallberg D, Holmer H, Nordenström J, Thörne H (1980) Arga katter far rivet skinn-konsekvenser av knivvaldet i Stockholm. Läkartidningen 77, 2345–2346.
Schumann M, Haarhoff K, Bonte W (1996) Offensive Leichenzerstückelung durch Eispickel. Arch Kriminol 198, 11–15.
Navarro B, Urban R (2004) “Overkill” im Rahmen einer Neugeborenen-Tötung. Arch Kriminol 213, 129–37.
Bohnert M, Ropohl D, Pollak S (1997) Suizidale Stichbeibringung durch die Kleidung. Arch Kriminol 200, 31–38.
Metter D, Benz D (1989) Abwehrverletzungen bei Tötungsdelikten durch scharfe Gewalteinwirkung. Z Rechtsmed 102, 277–291.
Pollak S, Saukko PJ (2000) Defense wounds. In Siegel JA, Saukko PJ, Knupfer GC, eds., Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences. Academic Press, London, pp. 374–378.
Pollak S (2004) Verletzungen durch eigene oder fremde Hand. In Brinkmann B, Madea B, eds., Handbuch Gerichtliche Medizin. Springer, Heidelberg, pp. 250–257.
Katkici U, Ozkok MS, Orsal M (1994) An autopsy evaluation of defence wounds in 195 homicidal deaths due to stabbing. J Forensic Sci Soc 34, 237–240.
Karlsson T (1998) Homicidal and suicidal sharp force fatalities in Stockholm, Sweden. Orientation of entrance wounds in stabs gives information in the classification. Forensic Sci Int 93, 21–32.
Moar JJ (1984) Homicidal penetrating incised wounds of the thorax. An autopsy study of 52 cases. S Afr Med J 65, 385–389.
Turletti M (1977) Ferite da punta e taglio in 63 casi di uomicidio. Med Leg 25, 119–170.
M öllers M (1977) Tötung und Selbsttötung durch Anwendung von scharfer Gewalt. Medical Thesis, University of Würzburg Press, Würzburg, Germany.
Karger B, Niemeyer J, Brinkmann B (1999) Physical activity following fatal injury from sharp pointed weapons. Int J Legal Med 112, 188–191.
Hendry WT, Stalker AL (1967) Stab wound of medulla by handle of metal comb. Med Sci Law 7, 213–215.
Kimura K, Nagata T, Imamura T (1992) A fatal case of a single stab wound penetrating the small, narrow atlantoaxial interspace. Nippon Hoigaku Zasshi 46, 310–312.
Petersohn E (1967) Über die Aktions-und Handlungsfähigkeit bei schweren Schädeltraumen. Dtsch Z ges Gerichtl Med 59, 259–270.
Staak M, König HG (1976) Handlungsfähigkeit und Verletzungsmuster bei Opfern von tödlichen Schuß-und Stichverletzungen. Beitr Gerichtl Med 35, 273–280.
Zimmer G, Miltner E, Mattern R (1994) Zur Handlungsfähigkeit nach Stich-und Schnittverletzung. Arch Kriminol 194, 95–104.
Thoresen SO, Rognum TO (1986) Survival time and acting capability after fatal injury by sharp weapons. Forensic Sci Int 31, 181–187.
Große Perdekamp M, Riede UN, Pollak S (2000) Penetrierende Herzstichverlet-zung mit ungewöhnlich langer Überlebenszeit. Arch Kriminol 206, 102–109.
Kampmann H, Bode G (1982) Traumatischer Infarkt nach Stichverletzung des Herzens. Z Rechtsmed 88, 159–164.
Wiese J, Maxeiner H (1991) Zweifacher suizidaler Herzstich mit Koronarverlet-zung. In Schütz H, Kaatsch HJ, Thomsen H, eds., Medizinrecht-Psychopatholo-gie-Rechtsmedizin. Springer, Berlin, pp. 631–639.
Meixner K (1931) Die Handlungsfähigkeit Schwerverletzter. Dtsch Z ges Gerichtl Med 16, 139–165.
Karlsson T (1998) Multivariate analysis (“forensiometrics”)-a new tool in forensic medicine. Differentiation between sharp force homicide and suicide. Forensic Sci Int 94, 183–200.
Vanezis P, West IE (1983) Tentative injuries in self stabbing. Forensic Sci Int 21, 65–70.
Greggers HE (1932) Zur Diagnostik der Halsschnittwunden bei Tötung durch eigene oder fremde Hand. Dtsch Z ges Gerichtl Med 19, 328–349.
Tsokos M, Braun C (2005) Das Verletzungsbild an der Hand durch Abrutschen auf die Klinge beim Zustechen mit einem Messerein Beitrag zur differentialdiagnos-tischen Einordnung von Verletzungen durch scharfe Gewalteinwirkung an der oberen Extremität. Arch Kriminol 215, 1–10.
Schmidt U, Faller-Marquardt M, Tatschner T, Walter K, Pollak S (2004) Cuts to the offender’s own hand unintentional self-infliction in the course of knife attacks. Int J Legal Med 118, 348–354.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2006 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Bohnert, M., Hüttemann, H., Schmidt, U. (2006). Homicides by Sharp Force. In: Tsokos, M. (eds) Forensic Pathology Reviews. Forensic Pathology Reviews, vol 4. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-921-9_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-921-9_3
Publisher Name: Humana Press
Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-601-6
Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-921-9
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)