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Thoma V, Geisenberger D, Schuldis D, Lickert A, Pollak S, Thierauf-Emberger A, Franchetti G. Incomplete decapitation with exenteration of the brain in a motorcyclist run over by a semitrailer. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 62:102246. [PMID: 36947910 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Although decapitation is a well-known traumatic mechanism in road traffic deaths, incomplete decapitation of a motorcyclist with exenteration of the brain has not yet been reported in the forensic literature in a victim run over by a vehicle. This paper deals with an autopsy case of a 69-year-old motorcyclist, who had been run over by a semitrailer, as a result of which flattening of the head with extrusion of the brain and incomplete decapitation occurred at the level of the fourth cervical vertebra. This constellation allows to define a special mechanism of accident-related decapitation. Moreover, the case underlines the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for the reconstruction of the accident as well as for the assessment of its judicial consequences. On the suspicion of a hit-and-run accident, simulation tests were performed by technical experts. These tests revealed that the motorcycle may not have been conspicuous for the truck driver prior to and during the accident. Consequently, the charge of manslaughter and failure to render assistance against the truck driver was dropped.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Thoma
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Albertstraße 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Dorothee Geisenberger
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Albertstraße 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Schuldis
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Albertstraße 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Lickert
- DEKRA Automobil GmbH, Gündlinger Str. 22, 79111 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Pollak
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Albertstraße 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Annette Thierauf-Emberger
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Albertstraße 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Giorgia Franchetti
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Albertstraße 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Unit of Legal Medicine and Toxicology, University of Padova, Via Falloppio 50, 35100 Padova, Italy
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Patterns in Forensic Decapitations: A Review of the Literature and Case Report. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2019; 40:246-250. [PMID: 31205058 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Separation of the head from the body can occur for a variety of reasons and in various locations across the neck. This study presents a review of the literature to identify the patterns of decapitations in forensic cases in relation to manner of death, age, and anatomical location (n = 88). The most common manner of death was suicide, followed by homicide and then accident. Ages ranged from 32 weeks prenatal to 85 years. Decapitation is reported at higher rates for individuals between 19 and 65. The majority of decapitations occurred at the midneck (second to fifth cervical vertebrae), followed by the upper neck and then the lower neck. This pattern holds true for all manners of death; however, in homicides, the percentage occurring at the midneck decreases. The findings of this study indicate some patterns in terms of manner of death, age, and location of decapitation, which could aid the medicolegal community in interpreting neck trauma. A case study is also briefly presented to illustrate findings.
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Leccia C, Alunni V, Quatrehomme G. Suicidal hanging resulting in decapitation: A case report and review of the literature. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 279:e10-e13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Hejna P, Bohnert M. Decapitation in Suicidal Hanging - Vital Reaction Patterns. J Forensic Sci 2012; 58 Suppl 1:S270-7. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Revised: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 12/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Petr Hejna
- Institute of Legal Medicine; Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Hradec Králové; Šimkova 870; 500 38; Hradec Králové; Czech Republic
| | - Michael Bohnert
- Institute of Legal Medicine; University of Würzburg; Versbacher Str. 3; 97078; Würzburg; Germany
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Gahr B, Matzenauer C, Gabriel P, Ritz-Timme S. Suizid mit selbst konstruierter Guillotine. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-012-0820-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Krishan K. Estimation of stature from cephalo-facial anthropometry in north Indian population. Forensic Sci Int 2008; 181:52.e1-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2008.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2008] [Revised: 06/30/2008] [Accepted: 08/02/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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