Puncture wounds caused by glass mistaken for with stab wounds with a knife

Forensic Sci Int. 2001 Oct 1;121(3):161-5. doi: 10.1016/s0379-0738(01)00392-9.

Abstract

Three cases are presented where fatal puncture wounds caused by broken glass were very similar to stab wounds inflicted by a knife with a single-edged blade. Thus, all three cases caused a murder investigation to be initiated. It could only be determined that these wounds had been caused by glass after a detailed forensic autopsy. In two of the three cases, the only evidence for this was the identification of glass fragments in the wounds. The importance of X-ray examinations is underlined because modern glass in common use is radiopaque. Glass fragments lodged in the wounds can reduce the loss of blood and thus, prolong the capacity to act despite severe injuries.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cause of Death
  • Eye Injuries / etiology*
  • Eye Injuries / pathology
  • Forensic Medicine*
  • Glass*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neck Injuries / etiology*
  • Neck Injuries / pathology
  • Thoracic Injuries / etiology*
  • Thoracic Injuries / pathology
  • Wounds, Stab / etiology*