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Kranioti EF, Spanakis K, Flouri DE, Klontzas ME, Karantanas AH. Post-mortem CT in the investigation of homicides. Clin Radiol 2023; 78:832-838. [PMID: 37827593 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the reliability of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) in a case series of homicides involving blunt-force, sharp-force, and ballistic trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study investigates 16 homicide cases that underwent PMCT before autopsy. Two radiologists assessed the PMCT examinations and the data were compared to the forensic pathology findings. Data were organised in broad categories: foreign bodies, external injuries, soft-tissue and organ injuries, fractures, air in cavities, fluid collections, random pathology, and wound track. Findings were organised by systems: head and neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis, extremities. Cohen's kappa statistics were used to assess observer agreement. RESULTS Six gunshot-related homicides (37.5%), seven sharp-force-related homicides (43.75%), two blunt-force-related deaths (12.5%), and one homicide due to mechanical asphyxia (1.25%) were analysed. A total of 64 fractures were reported by the pathologists, 67 by radiologist 1 and 68 by radiologist 2. Agreement was deemed substantial in all cases. Pathologists failed to report gas in cavities while radiologists underreported superficial injuries. CONCLUSION An overall observation was that less accurate findings were produced by the blinded radiologist in comparison to the non-blinded one. The extremeness of homicides obscured the interpretation of PMCT leading to the observed discrepancies. The combination of PMCT and autopsies is deemed optimal when investigating homicidal events.
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Affiliation(s)
- E F Kranioti
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71110, Greece.
| | - K Spanakis
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - D E Flouri
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71110, Greece
| | - M E Klontzas
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Advanced Hybrid Imaging Systems, Institute of Computer Science - FORTH, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - A H Karantanas
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Advanced Hybrid Imaging Systems, Institute of Computer Science - FORTH, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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The application of CT for 3D visualization of concealed bodies. Sci Justice 2022; 62:424-432. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Moreno-Ibáñez MÁ, Saladié P, Morales JI, Cebrià A, Fullola JM. Was it an axe or an adze? A cranial trauma case study from the Late Neolithic - Chalcolithic site of Cova Foradada (Calafell, Spain). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2021; 32:23-30. [PMID: 33276204 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To reconstruct the etiology of a perimortem injury observed on a Neolithic - Chalcolithic cranium (5060 - 4400 yrs cal. BP). MATERIALS A cranium of an old adult male individual belonging to a collective burial from Cova Foradada site (Calafell, Tarragona, Spain). METHODS The cranium was analyzed macroscopically and microscopically using micro-CT scan. RESULTS The fracture on the right parietal bone presents characteristics of perimortem trauma. The morphology of the point of impact allows for the interpretation of this fracture as a result of impact by an object with a straight and sharp edge. In addition, the same cranium presents two healed antemortem injuries. CONCLUSIONS The object that most likely caused the cranial fracture was a stone adze. The blow occurred from behind the individual, possibly by a right-handed attacker. SIGNIFICANCE The potential to link cranial fractures with specific tools increases our understanding of interpersonal violence during the Neolithic. LIMITATIONS It is not possible to infer if this cranial injury was related to a large-scale intergroup confrontation or an intragroup violent event. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH To investigate additional similar sites in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula to better characterize the fracture pattern caused by stone axes and adzes as well as other objects used as weapons during the Neolithic - Chalcolithic ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ángel Moreno-Ibáñez
- Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES), Zona Educacional, 4 (Edifici W3), Campus Sescelades, 43007, Tarragona, Spain; Àrea de Prehistòria, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Avinguda de Catalunya, 35, 43002, Tarragona, Spain.
| | - Palmira Saladié
- Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES), Zona Educacional, 4 (Edifici W3), Campus Sescelades, 43007, Tarragona, Spain; Àrea de Prehistòria, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Avinguda de Catalunya, 35, 43002, Tarragona, Spain; Unit Associated to CSIC, Departamento de Paleobiología. Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, C/ José Gutierrez Abascal, 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan I Morales
- SERP, Departament d'Historia i Arqueologia, Universitat de Barcelona. C/ Montealegre 6-8 (Edifici Raval), 08001, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Artur Cebrià
- SERP, Departament d'Historia i Arqueologia, Universitat de Barcelona. C/ Montealegre 6-8 (Edifici Raval), 08001, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Josep Maria Fullola
- SERP, Departament d'Historia i Arqueologia, Universitat de Barcelona. C/ Montealegre 6-8 (Edifici Raval), 08001, Barcelona, Spain.
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Collings AJ, Brown K. Reconstruction and physical fit analysis of fragmented skeletal remains using 3D imaging and printing. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL: REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2020.100114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Errickson D, Fawcett H, Thompson TJU, Campbell A. The effect of different imaging techniques for the visualisation of evidence in court on jury comprehension. Int J Legal Med 2019; 134:1451-1455. [PMID: 31811378 PMCID: PMC7295823 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02221-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Evidence presented within a courtroom should be clear so that the members of the jury can understand it. The presentation of distressing images, such as human remains, can have a negative effect on the jury since photographic images may evoke emotional responses. Therefore, it is important to understand how other visual mediums may improve comprehension, bias, or distress individuals. For this study, 91 individuals were randomly assigned one of three visual evidence formats in a mock courtroom exercise. These included photographs, 3D visualisations, or a 3D-printed model. The results show that the use of 3D imaging improves the juror’s understanding of technical language used within a courtroom, which in turn better informs the juror’s in their decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Errickson
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Cranfield University, Shrivenham, SN6 8LA, UK.
| | - H Fawcett
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M15 6BH, UK
| | - T J U Thompson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Borough Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BA, UK
| | - A Campbell
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Borough Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BA, UK
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Obertová Z, Leipner A, Messina C, Vanzulli A, Fliss B, Cattaneo C, Sconfienza LM. Postmortem imaging of perimortem skeletal trauma. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 302:109921. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Villa C, Olsen KB, Hansen SH. Virtual animation of victim-specific 3D models obtained from CT scans for forensic reconstructions: Living and dead subjects. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 278:e27-e33. [PMID: 28716518 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Post-mortem CT scanning (PMCT) has been introduced at several forensic medical institutions many years ago and has proved to be a useful tool. 3D models of bones, skin, internal organs and bullet paths can rapidly be generated using post-processing software. These 3D models reflect the individual physiognomics and can be used to create whole-body 3D virtual animations. In such way, virtual reconstructions of the probable ante-mortem postures of victims can be constructed and contribute to understand the sequence of events. This procedure is demonstrated in two victims of gunshot injuries. Case #1 was a man showing three perforating gunshot wounds, who died due to the injuries of the incident. Whole-body PMCT was performed and 3D reconstructions of bones, relevant internal organs and bullet paths were generated. Using 3ds Max software and a human anatomy 3D model, a virtual animated body was built and probable ante-mortem postures visualized. Case #2 was a man presenting three perforating gunshot wounds, who survived the incident: one in the left arm and two in the thorax. Only CT scans of the thorax, abdomen and the injured arm were provided by the hospital. Therefore, a whole-body 3D model reflecting the anatomical proportions of the patient was made combining the actual bones of the victim with those obtained from the human anatomy 3D model. The resulted 3D model was used for the animation process. Several probable postures were also visualized in this case. It has be shown that in Case #1 the lesions and the bullet path were not consistent with an upright standing position; instead, the victim was slightly bent forward, i.e. he was sitting or running when he was shot. In Case #2, one of the bullets could have passed through the arm and continued into the thorax. In conclusion, specialized 3D modelling and animation techniques allow for the reconstruction of ante-mortem postures based on both PMCT and clinical CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Villa
- Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Frederik V's Vej 11, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - K B Olsen
- Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Frederik V's Vej 11, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S H Hansen
- Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Frederik V's Vej 11, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Buchaillet C, Gaudin A, Rougé-Maillart C, Jousset N. Specific Characteristics of Injuries Inflicted by Claw Hammer. J Forensic Sci 2016; 61:1375-7. [PMID: 27356305 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Claw hammers have the specific characteristic of having two distinct ends: one a flat head of variable form, the other bifurcated. So the use of this tool as a blunt instrument will cause varying injuries. The authors present two clinical cases of assault with a claw hammer. Examinations revealed two types of wound. A first injury composed of integumentary lacerations and underlying bone injuries in terms of "shape" suggested the use of a blunt instrument. A second injury made up of damage showing two parallel wounds or two wounds located one in the extension of the other suggested the use of an object with a bifurcated end. The combination of both types of injury should alert examiners to the possibility of the use of a claw hammer in causing the injuries in order to help direct investigators in their investigations and in the search for the weapon used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Buchaillet
- University of Angers, Angers, F-49035, France. .,Forensic Medicine and Prison Healthcare Department, Angers University Hospital, 4 rue Larrey, Angers cedex 09, F-49933, France.
| | - Arnaud Gaudin
- University of Angers, Angers, F-49035, France.,Forensic Medicine and Prison Healthcare Department, Angers University Hospital, 4 rue Larrey, Angers cedex 09, F-49933, France
| | - Clotilde Rougé-Maillart
- University of Angers, Angers, F-49035, France.,Forensic Medicine and Prison Healthcare Department, Angers University Hospital, 4 rue Larrey, Angers cedex 09, F-49933, France.,UNAM (University of Nantes, Angers and Le Mans) Angers University, 40 rue de Rennes, BP 73532, Angers cedex 01, 49035, France
| | - Nathalie Jousset
- University of Angers, Angers, F-49035, France.,Forensic Medicine and Prison Healthcare Department, Angers University Hospital, 4 rue Larrey, Angers cedex 09, F-49933, France.,UNAM (University of Nantes, Angers and Le Mans) Angers University, 40 rue de Rennes, BP 73532, Angers cedex 01, 49035, France
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Blau S. How traumatic: a review of the role of the forensic anthropologist in the examination and interpretation of skeletal trauma. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2016.1153715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Soren Blau
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine / Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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11
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Sala N, Arsuaga JL, Pantoja-Pérez A, Pablos A, Martínez I, Quam RM, Gómez-Olivencia A, Bermúdez de Castro JM, Carbonell E. Lethal interpersonal violence in the Middle Pleistocene. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126589. [PMID: 26018668 PMCID: PMC4446311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence of interpersonal violence has been documented previously in Pleistocene members of the genus Homo, but only very rarely has this been posited as the possible manner of death. Here we report the earliest evidence of lethal interpersonal violence in the hominin fossil record. Cranium 17 recovered from the Sima de los Huesos Middle Pleistocene site shows two clear perimortem depression fractures on the frontal bone, interpreted as being produced by two episodes of localized blunt force trauma. The type of injuries, their location, the strong similarity of the fractures in shape and size, and the different orientations and implied trajectories of the two fractures suggest they were produced with the same object in face-to-face interpersonal conflict. Given that either of the two traumatic events was likely lethal, the presence of multiple blows implies an intention to kill. This finding shows that the lethal interpersonal violence is an ancient human behavior and has important implications for the accumulation of bodies at the site, supporting an anthropic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nohemi Sala
- Centro Mixto UCM-ISCIII de Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Arsuaga
- Centro Mixto UCM-ISCIII de Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Paleontología, Facultad Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Pantoja-Pérez
- Centro Mixto UCM-ISCIII de Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián Pablos
- Centro Mixto UCM-ISCIII de Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Madrid, Spain
- Área de Antropología Física, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Martínez
- Centro Mixto UCM-ISCIII de Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Madrid, Spain
- Área de Antropología Física, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rolf M. Quam
- Centro Mixto UCM-ISCIII de Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, New York, United States of America
- Division of Anthropology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Asier Gómez-Olivencia
- Centro Mixto UCM-ISCIII de Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento Estratigrafía y Paleontología, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Bilbao, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Équipe de Paléontologie Humaine, Département de Préhistoire, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Musée de l’Homme, Paris, France
| | | | - Eudald Carbonell
- Àrea de Prehistòria, Departamento d’Història i Història de l’Art, Universidad Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social, Tarragona, Spain
- Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of Beijing, Beijing, China
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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.
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Errickson D, Thompson TJ, Rankin BW. The application of 3D visualization of osteological trauma for the courtroom: A critical review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jofri.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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