Homicide by unusual‐edged weapons: Forensic considerations of two cases. Issue 1 (28th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Karray, Narjes; Dedouit, Fabrice; Dubois, Clarisse; Savall, Frederic; Telmon, Norbert
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic sciences. Volume 66:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 398
• Page End: 402
• Publication Date: 2020-09-28
• Subjects: autopsy -- forensic pathology -- homicide -- Japanese sword -- katana -- sickle -- stab wounds -- unusual edged weapons; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14573
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1198

Abstract

Abstract: Homicide by stab wound is common worldwide. However, the use of unusual edged weapons is rarely reported in the forensic literature. Here, we report two cases of homicide involving a Japanese sword, or katana, and a sickle. Both of these weapons can create either stab or incised wounds with some particularities. In our cases, characteristics of the external wounds, internal injuries, and the depth of penetration raised the possibility of an unusual weapon. Meticulous forensic examination of these injuries (morphological characteristics, depth of penetration, trajectories, and cut marks in the bone) may allow the forensic expert to determine the type of weapon used.