In an extended suicide an 11-year-old boy was killed by two shots into the back. In spite of corresponding entry and exit points one of the projectiles was found inside the body. By laying open the respective bullet track, examination of the deformations of the bullet, on which a total of three ricochet points were identified, and a second visit to the scene both the order in which the shots were fired and the reason why one of the projectiles was lodged inside the body, although there was an exit point, could be clarified: On firing the second shot the victim had been lying on the wooden threshold of a door, from which the projectile ricochetted. The terms "reentry" and "pseudo exit point" are discussed. The retention of the bullet in the depth of an alleged exit wound emphasizes the importance of post-mortal X-ray examinations.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Methods of suicide in an autopsy sample of the Institute of Forensic Medicine of the Hannover Medical School].

Between 1978 and 1987 513 cases of suicide were examined at the Institute of Legal Medicine of the Medical School of Hannover (337 males (65.7%) and 176 females (34.3%). The greatest share of the suicides was found in the age group 18 to 30. 42.1% of the cases showed positive alcohol concentrations with men accounting for a relatively higher share. The most frequently used methods for committing suicide were intoxications (28.1%), hanging (25.3%), firearms (17.2%), falling from great height (9.7%) and drowning (7.6%). The incidence in terms of sex showed marked differences in distribution, however. Women mostly used the following methods for committing suicide: Intoxication (37.4%), falling (17.6%) and hanging (17%). With men we found the following order: Hanging (29.7%), firearms (24.3%) and intoxications (23.1%). Compared with other institutes of legal medicine the five most frequent suicide methods showed similar distributions, but with a higher rate of intoxications. On the other hand there were distinct differences as to the relative frequency of the individual suicide methods in the total population and the respective number of autopsies performed. Especially in cases of gunshot wounds the number of autopsies performed to rule out homicide was higher. Of 2390 case of suicide registered in Greater Hannover an autopsy was ordered by the court in only 6.7%. According to our experience the autopsy rate seems too low, because homicide in the form of pretended suicide is not too rare.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Death by burning in open spaces. Death caused by suicide or homicide?].

The authors report on four cases of suicidal fire deaths in the open air. In three cases the proper cause of death was severe burning and in one case deep cuts of the neck. In all these events the concentrations of CO-Hb were < 30%. Kerosene was indicated in lipophile tissue or lung in two cases. There was no evidence of incapacitation preceding the exposition to fire. The autopsy findings and the scene allowed a reconstruction of the course of events. All victims had motives of suicide. The authors conclude that close cooperation between police, fire experts and forensic medicine is necessary to permit a correct classification of the mode of death in such cases.

Adult↗