Modes of DeathSouth Puget Sound Community College

Forensic Homicide Investigation

Modes of DeathInvestigators must be familiar with manner, means, causes

and modes of deathGSWCutting woundsStabbing woundsBlunt force injuriesPoisonsAsphyxia (autoerotic)Arson/fire

Modes of DeathGSW:Weapon discharged four things happen:1. Fire/flame emitted from barrel2. Smoke follows flame3. Bullet emerges4. Additional smoke/grains of unburned powder follow.Material spreads out like a funnelAs distance from gun increases density of pattern decreases

Modes of DeathPROJECTILE STRIKING THE BODY: Two basic wounds1. Entrance:a. Generally smaller than exitb. Typically round neat hole w/abrasion collar c. Comparatively small amounts of blood2. Exit:d. Generally larger than entrancee. Ragged/torn in appearance/tissue extrudingf. Generally more blood

NATURE/EXTENT OF GSW:Number of factors=characteristics-distance-ricocheting-type of ammo-passage thru body-passage thru clothes-type of weapon-part of body

Modes of DeathHuman skin--elastic/resistant-bullet causes indentation-perforates/bores thru skin: 1. circular hole 2. abrasion collar/blackening effects around edges3. stretched skin then closes back Once inside body:-generally travels in straight line-contact w/bone deflects

Modes of DeathSMUDGE/SMOKE:-smoke/soot deposited into wound-wound is dirty/grimy looking-easily wiped off-close but not in contact-hold clothes for examSEARING:-yellow singed effect due to flame from gunTATTOOING/STIPPLING: (2-4 feet away)-pinpoint hemorrhages from powder-unburned powder in skin-cannot be wiped off

CONTACT WOUNDS: (stellate wounds)-muzzle is held directly against skin-shape is the result of bullet/flames/gases-larger than diameter of bullet-wound gaping/dirty-edges ragged/torn-tissue charring-large tissue destruction-muzzle stamp/brand

Modes of DeathCUTTING INJURIES:-incision/straight cut-minimum bruising-longer than deep-freely bleeding-no indication of type of instrumentSTABBING INJURIES:-piercing wounds-deeper than wide-damage to organs underneath-internal bleed w/little or no external blood-possible indication of type of instrument-

Modes of DeathBLUNT FORCE TRAUMA:-usually evident by external trauma-laceration-jagged edged wound-bruising-bleeding under the skin

Modes of DeathCHOPPING INJURIES:-heavy objects with sharp edges-axes-injury to skin and heavy damage underneath

Modes of DeathASPHYXIA:I. Strangulation a. manual-hand, body partsb. Ligature-anything-impression marksInvestigative considerations-1. Presence of abrasions/bruising2. -petechial hemorrhages3. Possible trauma to tongueII. Hanging-generally suicidal or accidental

Modes of DeathConsiderations:1. body need not be completely off the floor2. Small/ropelike ligatures leave deep grooves across neck-

higher up3. black and blue lines appear w/in groove line4. lividity will be prominent in head/legs

Modes of DeathIII. DROWNING-liquid gets into air passages and prevents air from getting to

lungs-mouth/nose only coveredIV. INHALATION OF POISON-most common carbon monoxide-pink skinV. SUFFOCATION-passage of air through mouth/nose blocked-smothering-choking-inhalation-mechanical asphyxia

Modes of DeathFIRE:-generally from smoke first-pugilistic pose-cracks open from heat-white froth from mouth-alive at time of fire-ME is only one who can determine fire or other cause of

death

Modes of DeathAUTO EROTIC:-each unique to due to fantasyFIVE CRITERIA:-evidence of self-release mechanism-evidence of solo sex activity-evidence of sexual fantasy aids-evidence of prior practice-no apparent suicidal intent