Concealed Homicides-A Postmortem Study and Review

The forensic implications of lonely deaths (Kodokushi) - A South Australian study

Kodokushi is a Japanese term where 'a person dies without being cared for by anyone, and whose body is found after a certain period'. These cases have also been called 'lonely deaths'. Few forensic studies exist. Using decomposition as a surrogate marker for social isolation the following study was undertaken. Pathology files from Forensic Science SA (FSSA), Adelaide, South Australia were reviewed for all cases aged ≥60 years where death had occurred at home and where there was moderate to marked decomposition. Two five-year time periods were selected for comparison. There were 27 cases from 2000 to 2004, out of a total of 1673 autopsies (1.6 %), (M:F = 21:6; age range 60-90 years, ave. 72.8; post mortem intervals 3-60 days, mean 10.7 days). The majority of deaths were due to natural causes (N = 22), with 2 suicides and 3 undetermined. There were 67 cases between 2019 and 2023, out of a total of 696 autopsies (9.6 %), (M:F = 52:15; age range 60-91 years, ave. 69.4 years; post mortem intervals 3-240 days, mean 21 days). The majority of deaths were due to natural causes (N = 55), with 3 suicides and 9 undetermined. Comparing the two time periods showed a predominance of males (78 %) dying of ischaemic heart disease in each cohort (67 and 60 % respectively). The average ages were similar (72.8 and 69.4 years respectively). There was a significant increase in the number of cases over the two decades of the study: 27 to 67 (p < 0.001), with an increase in the post mortem interval from 10.7 to 21 days. It appears that increasing numbers of socially isolated elders are occurring in an Australia population. These individuals have higher rates of certain mental and physical disorders and may present unique diagnostic challenges.

Postmortem tissue alterations induced by corrosive substances - a scoping review

INTRODUCTION

The method of dissolving a body to conceal crimes, a practice dating back to ancient times, has recently captured the interest of scientists and the film industry. Real-life cases inspired by media portrayals underscore the importance of understanding this process, which aims to prevent identification or locate the body. Historical and contemporary examples highlight the use of substances like caustic potash and various acids. Although scientific studies on this topic are limited, this scoping review explores the use of corrosive substances for concealing crimes by dissolving remains and aims to provide an overview of the current global extension of this phenomenon, addressing a gap in scholarly literature.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The search strategy included PubMed, Google Scholar, gray literature, and general Google searches for cases in international media. Articles were eligible if they discussed the effects of corrosive substances on tissue with the intent to alter or destroy, excluding those focused on living individuals or for non-forensic purposes. Results were categorized into academic and gray literature, further divided by species studied.

RESULTS

A total of 280 results were found in PubMed and 966 in Google Scholar. No reviews were found. Additional searches led to 79 records, with 37 excluded due to duplication or updates. Ultimately, 83 studies were included in the review, documenting key elements such as study purpose, sample details, substances used, and findings. The effects of various corrosive agents were revealed, including alkaline substances such as lime, potassium hydroxide, and sodium hydroxide, as well as acids like hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and aqua regia.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosing tissue alterations caused by corrosive substances requires a multidisciplinary approach and detailed analysis. Final outcomes depend on concentration, exposure time and conditions. Techniques like microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX/EDS), micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) provide critical detailed results. Recreating the crime through experiments may be necessary for investigations, shedding light on the methods employed by perpetrators, reflecting the complexity of these out-of-the-ordinary cases. Further studies are crucial for interpreting these effects.

'Hiding in plain sight' - mass disasters and murder

The majority of homicides do not occur in mass disasters but are often solitary events. This enables medicolegal investigations to be targeted around the features of a specific case. Mass disasters may, however, result in a large numbers of bodies being brought in over relatively short periods of time. Such disasters may also occur in isolated locations with limited resources and facilities resulting in full autopsies not being undertaken, with faster processing of cases than is usual. For this reason it is possible that injuries due to inflicted trauma may not always be identified. Given the varied circumstances of mass disasters, ranging from the London Blitz of WWII to the 2004 South East Asian tsunami, the possibility of concealed homicides should always be considered.

Homicidal burial - Forensic issues

A young woman was buried in a sitting position in sandy soil in a shallow grave. PMCT showed filling of the upper airways with radio-opaque material consistent with soil, with autopsy dissection confirming the presence of soil in the mouth, pharynx, upper oesophagus, larynx, trachea and main bronchi. Death was due to upper airway occlusion by soil. Live burial as a type of homicide is extremely rare. Issues that need to be clarified include whether the victim was alive at the time of burial, the level of consciousness/awareness of the process, whether restraints or drugs were used and the speed with which death occurred. Possible mechanisms of death include smothering, choking and positional/compression asphyxia.