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Abstract
ABSTRACT A study was undertaken at Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, South Australia, of all cases of homicide (January 2003-December 2022) where the victims' bodies had been concealed. Three hundred twenty-six homicides were identified, which included 27 cases where bodies had been deliberately hidden (8%) (age range, 2-82 years; ave, 34.9 years; M:F = 1.5:1). Deaths were due to blunt force trauma (n = 11), sharp force trauma (n = 4), asphyxia (n = 4), gunshot wound (n = 2), and a combination of drowning and asphyxia (n = 1). In 5 cases, the cause of death was not determinable. The methods of concealment (which were sometimes overlapping) included the following: dumping at a hidden/isolated location (n = 8), burial (n = 7), dismembering (n = 3), incinerating (n = 3), hiding in a wheeled garbage bin (n = 2), disposing in garbage resulting in the remains being located at waste disposal facilities (n = 2), hiding in a shed (n = 1), under a concrete floor (n = 1), in a suitcase (n = 1), in a river (n = 1), in a mine shaft (n = 1), and in a septic tank (n = 1). Although it has been asserted that concealed homicides are rarely encountered in forensic practice, the current study has demonstrated that the bodies in at least 8% of victims of homicide in South Australia have undergone some form of concealment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger W Byard
- From the Forensic Science SA and the School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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2
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Potente S, Heinbuch S, Ramsthaler F, Schäfer N, Walle N, Schmidt P. "Scalping" in the context of criminal dismemberment and mutilation-a case report and review of the literature. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023; 19:595-604. [PMID: 36735188 PMCID: PMC10752840 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00581-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We report on a case of criminal dismemberment and attempted scalping of a homicide victim with a "Mohawk" haircut. Case findings are presented. A review of the literature was performed for scalping in its historical and cultural context and particularly in criminal dismemberment and mutilation: Historically, scalping was prevalent in many ancient cultures around the world, where scalps were taken as trophies or "proof of kill", much like shrunken heads, trophy skulls, and other artefacts. Scalping was particularly widespread in Northern America in the context of tribal warfare, both before and after colonization. The iconic "Mohawk" haircut is closely linked with scalping, as it was meant to taunt the enemy. In the modern forensic context, scalping constitutes a form of criminal mutilation. However, cases of criminal dismemberment and mutilation are rare in forensic casework. Our literature review revealed a low number of scalping in criminal dismemberment and mutilation cases. The documentation was overall poor. Positioning scalping within the classification of criminal mutilation and dismemberment was difficult. In literature, even though case numbers were small, the majority of "textbook scalping" cases were German. The presented case, to our best knowledge, is the first modern-day photo-documented case of (attempted) scalping, even more so of a person wearing a "Mohawk".
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Potente
- Department of Legal Medicine, Medical School, University of Saarland, Kirrberger Strasse, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
| | - Sara Heinbuch
- Department of Legal Medicine, Medical School, University of Saarland, Kirrberger Strasse, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Frank Ramsthaler
- Department of Legal Medicine, Medical School, University of Saarland, Kirrberger Strasse, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Nadine Schäfer
- Department of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Saarland, Kirrberger Strasse, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Nadja Walle
- Department of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Saarland, Kirrberger Strasse, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Peter Schmidt
- Department of Legal Medicine, Medical School, University of Saarland, Kirrberger Strasse, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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3
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Brownlow L, Young S, Fernández-Grandon M, Hopkins RJ. Case closed - Wrappings and encasement delays and reduces fly presence on body parts. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 342:111542. [PMID: 36566613 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111542] [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: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Homicide, particularly where a body has been concealed, is uniquely challenging for investigators to estimate the time of occurrence due to the methods employed by perpetrators to hide the body or its constituent parts from detection. The regularity of necrophagous insect lifecycles to determine minimum post-mortem interval (minPMI) is widely employed but remains an unreliable technique if used without a clear understanding of the factors that affect insect access and oviposition behaviour to concealed remains. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of wrapping body parts on fly colonisation and implications for minPMI calculations. Field studies were carried out using four treatments of pork (as surrogate body parts), in five replicates, one unwrapped, the other three wrapped in either a black plastic sack, a small-zipped wash bag (to simulate a suitcase), or a plastic sack further placed in a wash bag. Over a 48-h period all the methods of wrapping significantly disrupted the host-finding process of blowflies to dismembered carcasses, with a delay of initial contact and oviposition of 30+h (dependant on wrapping) and even more in wet conditions (48+ h). Egg numbers were also reduced by as much as 99.1% on wrapped samples compared to unwrapped. These new findings highlight the importance of applying adjustments to minPMI calculations when encountering wrapped remains. Advances in the accuracy of minPMI calculations will prevent the waste of valuable police time and resources and better focus the search for witnesses and suspects in homicide investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Brownlow
- School of Science, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, Medway, Central Ave. Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK.
| | - Stephen Young
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Medway, Central Ave. Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Mandela Fernández-Grandon
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Medway, Central Ave. Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Richard J Hopkins
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Medway, Central Ave. Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
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4
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Aquila I, Sacco MA, Cordasco F, Scalise C, Galassi FM, Varotto E, Caruso W, Aquila VR, Ricci P. The Role of Forensic Investigation in an Unusual Case of Patricide by a Schizophrenic Woman Involving Dismemberment of a Decomposed Body. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:1577. [PMID: 35885483 PMCID: PMC9320108 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12071577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dismemberment is characterized by the fragmentation of the body into anatomical sections. It can occur because of a murder, suicide, or accident. In the literature, there are no cases of patricide perpetrated by a daughter in which the offender performed the dismemberment. However, in this paper, we reported a case of patricide by a schizophrenic daughter that was not treated with antipsychotic therapy. Post-mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT), autopsy, and histological examinations were performed. The soft tissues were removed through maceration techniques and chemical treatment. An analysis was performed to study the bone margins and clarify the weapon and manner of death. This investigation, which used radiological and histological studies, helped to assess the vitality of the injuries. The purpose of the study is to discover the weapon used, the cause, and the manner of death, with particular interest in this case due to the dismemberment. Moreover, we emphasize the correlation between patricide, dismemberment, and a lack of antipsychotic treatment in patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Aquila
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Loc. Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.A.S.); (F.C.); (C.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Matteo Antonio Sacco
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Loc. Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.A.S.); (F.C.); (C.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Fabrizio Cordasco
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Loc. Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.A.S.); (F.C.); (C.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Carmen Scalise
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Loc. Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.A.S.); (F.C.); (C.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Francesco Maria Galassi
- Archaeology, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; (F.M.G.); (E.V.)
- FAPAB Research Center, 96012 Avola, Italy
| | - Elena Varotto
- Archaeology, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; (F.M.G.); (E.V.)
- FAPAB Research Center, 96012 Avola, Italy
| | | | - Valerio Riccardo Aquila
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Loc. Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Pietrantonio Ricci
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Loc. Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.A.S.); (F.C.); (C.S.); (P.R.)
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5
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Almond L, Pell C, McManus M. Body Part Removal: A Thematic Exploration of U.K. Homicide Offenses. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:NP6370-NP6389. [PMID: 30484354 DOI: 10.1177/0886260518814268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Body part removal (BPR) is a rare homicide phenomena, which emerges as a result of a variety of motives. Fifty-eight BPR U.K. homicide cases were analyzed. Findings indicated key characteristics within BPR murder offenses, with most offenders males; aged around 31 years; knew their victims; with presence of alcohol, drugs, and mental health issues; and more than two thirds of the sample had previous convictions, more than 50% for theft. Offense behaviors showed "multiple wounds" and "victim naked" as highest frequency, with the head as the most frequently removed body part. Smallest space analysis (SSA) identified two behavioral themes (expressive and instrumental) with 62.1% of cases classified as one of these. The study has provided the largest U.K. sample of BPR homicide, furthering understanding this type of offense and the offenders who commit it.
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6
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Guggenheimer D, Caman S, Sturup J, Thiblin I, Zilg B. Criminal mutilation in Sweden from 1991 to 2017. J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:1788-1796. [PMID: 33955549 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We identified 43 cases of mutilation homicides in a nationwide population-based study in Sweden during the period of 1991-2017. 70% of cases were classified as defensive mutilations where the main motive was disposal of the body, while 30% were classified as offensive, that is, due to an expression of strong aggression, necro-/sexual sadism, or psychiatric illness. In comparison with a previous study covering mutilation homicides in Sweden between 1961 and 1990, we noted an increase in incidence. The percentage of cases involving mutilation had increased from 0.5% of all homicides in the 1960s to 2.4% in the 2010s. The most common cause of death was sharp force, but in 28% of the cases, the cause of death could not be determined. The clearance rate in cases of mutilation homicide was 67%, and in a large majority of the cases, the offender was known to the victim. With regards to gender women made up 44% of the victims, whilst men constituted 56% of the victims and a total of 95% of the offenders. Half of the offenders had a personality disorder, however, only 13% were sentenced to forensic psychiatric care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Guggenheimer
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden.,Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Shilan Caman
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden.,Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Joakim Sturup
- Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,National Police Authority, Stockholm Police Region, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ingemar Thiblin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Surgical Sciences, Forensic Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Brita Zilg
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden.,Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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Gawliński A. Perpetrators' actions after a murder, in particular handling the corpse to evade criminal responsibility - Discussion of study findings. J Forensic Leg Med 2020; 77:102099. [PMID: 33338799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2020.102099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Perpetrators behave in a variety of ways after the crime. This study analyses murderer's actions after the crime, in particular their handling of the victim's corpse in order to evade criminal responsibility. The study material included 500 criminal cases (Art. 148 of the Penal Code). The study group included 604 perpetrators and 521 victims. Handling victims' bodies took place in 123 cases; the bodies were disposed of in a simple way in 68 cases, in complex ways - in 51 (the body was not found in 2 cases), failed attempts at disposing of the body - in 3, faked suicide - only in 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Gawliński
- Department of Criminology and Criminalistics, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Obitza 1, 10-725, Olsztyn, Poland.
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8
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Corpse dismemberment: A case series. Solving the puzzle through an integrated multidisciplinary approach. J Forensic Leg Med 2020; 74:102005. [PMID: 33012308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2020.102005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The finding of corpse parts poses several challenges for the forensic pathologist presenting implications for identification, diagnosis of death and determination of wounds vitality. Further interpretative difficulties in cases of cadaveric dismemberment derive from the scarcity of tanatochronological parameters useful to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI) and the absence of uniform investigative protocols in the different centres of forensic pathology. The present study proposes an investigation protocol for the cadaveric dismemberment through the discussion of a case series. The study group consisted of cases in which the dismemberment was performed after the murder. For all cases, a study protocol based on crime scene investigation, post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT), autopsy, toxicological, histological, immunohistochemical and genetic investigations was implemented. In particular, the standardised use of radiographic study before the autopsy allows all to have information that can guide the forensic pathologist during the autopsy. The use of immunohistochemistry allows an assessment of the vitality of the lesions possibly involved in the determinism of death, as well as of the surfaces of dismemberment, representing a tool of considerable utility for forensic purposes. The genetic investigations allow the identification of the victims, while the toxicological ones highlight the possible abuse of substances. The implemented protocol presents a demonstrated usefulness in improving diagnostic accuracy in corpse dismemberment cases.
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9
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Petreca VG, Burgess AW, Stone MH, Brucato G. Dismemberment and Mutilation: A Data‐Driven Exploration of Patterns, Motives, and Styles. J Forensic Sci 2020; 65:888-896. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Victor G. Petreca
- William F. Connell School of Nursing Boston College Maloney Hall Chestnut Hill 02467 MA USA
| | - Ann W. Burgess
- William F. Connell School of Nursing Boston College Maloney Hall Chestnut Hill 02467 MA USA
| | - Michael H. Stone
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons 630 W 168th St New York 10032 NY USA
| | - Gary Brucato
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons 630 W 168th St New York 10032 NY USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute 1051 Riverside Dr New York 10032 NY USA
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10
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Pettigrew M. Author's Response. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1584. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Pettigrew
- Department of Social Sciences Leeds Becket University City Campus, Calverley Building Leeds LS1 3HE U.K
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11
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Dunn A, Mackenzie SC. Commentary on: Pettigrew M. Corpse dismemberment and a necrofetishist. J Forensic Sci 2019;64(3):934–7. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1583. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abbie Dunn
- University of Dundee School of Medicine Dundee U.K
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12
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Chan HCO, Li F. Victim body mutilation in sexual homicides: Exploring Chinese sexual homicide cases. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2019; 37:589-601. [PMID: 31393051 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Little exists beyond medicolegal case reports on victim mutilation homicides, much less on those occurring in the context of sexual homicides. As limited information is available on sexual homicides that occurred in China, this study aims to explore the offending characteristics of sexual homicide offenders (SHOs) who mutilated their victims and to compare their modus operandi with non-mutilation sexual murderers. The offender, victim, and offense characteristics of 82 sexual homicide cases (i.e., 31 mutilation and 47 non-mutilation cases; 1988-2018), derived from police data of three regions and published case reports, were examined. In addition to the descriptive offender and victim characteristics of Chinese SHOs who performed victim body mutilation, findings indicate that offenders who mutilated their victims were more likely than those who did not mutilate the victim to have a previous sexual offense conviction. They were motivated primarily by sex and least motivated by financial gain. Victim abduction prior to the offense was more frequently reported in non-mutilation sexual murders. These findings may offer some insights for police who need to prioritize their investigative strategies in cases of sexual homicide with victim mutilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Choon Oliver Chan
- Teaching Laboratory for Forensics and Criminology, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR
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13
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Sea J, Beauregard E. Mutilation in Korean Homicide: An Exploratory Study. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2019; 34:2863-2877. [PMID: 27530655 DOI: 10.1177/0886260516663898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mutilation is a rare and unusual act performed on a victim, especially in cases of homicide. Knowledge on mutilation homicide is scarce as the base rate of this type of homicide is very low. Moreover, previous studies examining this specific criminal behavior have been mainly descriptive, neglecting to look at other factors related to the act of mutilation. Furthermore, depending on the cultural context and country of origin, the infliction of mutilation pre-, per-, or post-homicide translates into different meanings. Therefore, it is important to examine mutilation homicide in the context of non-Western countries. Using crime and forensic examination reports subjected to forensic examination and convicted for a homicide between 1995 and 2011 (N = 1,200) in Korea, the rate of mutilation homicide was estimated. Based on the 65 cases (5.4%) identified, information on the offenses and offenders were described. Moreover, using a series of bivariate analyses, the current study compared cases of mutilation homicides in Korea with other countries. Findings revealed interesting differences and similarities between mutilation homicide cases from Korea and the other countries. For instance, offender-victim relationship, victim's gender, and criminal history were significantly different from the comparison groups. In addition, compared with Korea, mutilation homicide cases were significantly more likely to involve an accomplice in Finland, suggesting the need to carry the body over a long distance. Investigators and researchers need to understand the cultural context in which these acts are committed as the infliction of mutilation may serve different purposes across different countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonghan Sea
- 1 Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eric Beauregard
- 1 Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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14
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Ferguson C, Pooley K. Australian no-body homicides: Exploring common features of solved cases. J Forensic Leg Med 2019; 66:70-78. [PMID: 31228773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Offenders successfully disposing of a homicide victim's body creates challenges to the criminal justice process, yet no research literature exists on no-body homicide cases. We explored 25 solved homicides in Australia where no part of the victim's body was recovered. Coroners' findings, case law, and media reports from 1983 to 2017 were examined qualitatively and descriptively. Features of the cases differed based on whether the homicide was related to organized crime, serial sexual offences, or domestic violence. Challenges posed by each type of case are discussed and opportunities for solving these cases are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Ferguson
- School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.
| | - Kamarah Pooley
- School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
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15
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Adams BJ, Rainwater CW, Yim A, Alesbury HS. A Retrospective Study of Intentional Body Dismemberment in New York City: 1996–2017. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1012-1016. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J. Adams
- Forensic Anthropology Unit Office of Chief Medical Examiner 520 First Avenue New York NY 10016
| | - Christopher W. Rainwater
- Forensic Anthropology Unit Office of Chief Medical Examiner 520 First Avenue New York NY 10016
- Department of Anthropology Center for the Study of Human Origins New York University 25 Waverly Place New York NY 10003
| | - An‐Di Yim
- Department of Anthropology University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana IL 61801
| | - Helen S. Alesbury
- Forensic Operations Office of Chief Medical Examiner 421 East 26th Street New York NY 10016
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16
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Pettigrew M. Corpse Dismemberment and a Necrofetishist. J Forensic Sci 2018; 64:934-937. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Pettigrew
- Department of Social Sciences Leeds Beckett University City Campus, Calverley Building Leeds LS1 3HE U.K
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17
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Zerbo S, Lanzarone A, Procaccianti P, Ventura Spagnolo E, Argo A. Homicide with post mortem dismemberment of the victim with previous amputation of right lower limb: Case report and review of the literature. Med Leg J 2018; 86:213-215. [PMID: 29799311 DOI: 10.1177/0025817218775575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The dismemberment of a corpse is comparatively rare in forensic medicine and usually performed with different types of sharp tools. The victim is always the victim of a homicide. Dismemberment usually occurs where the killing took place without prior planning by the perpetrator. We report a case of homicide with post mortem mutilation of the victim's body with previous amputation of right lower limb in which the perpetrator was not identified. At autopsy, several fractures were detected on the cranial vault, and the cause of death was due to skull and brain injuries from multiple blunt force traumas.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zerbo
- Department of Health Promotion, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - A Lanzarone
- Department of Health Promotion, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - P Procaccianti
- Department of Health Promotion, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - E Ventura Spagnolo
- Department of Health Promotion, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - A Argo
- Department of Health Promotion, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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18
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Beauregard E, Martineau M. A descriptive study of sexual homicide in Canada: implications for police investigation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2013; 57:1454-1476. [PMID: 22871587 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x12456682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Few empirical studies have been conducted that examine the phenomenon of sexual homicide, and among these studies, many have been limited by small sample size. Although interesting and informative, these studies may not be representative of the greater phenomenon of sexual murder and may be subject to sampling bias that could have significant effects on results. The current study aims to provide a descriptive analysis of the largest sample of sexual homicide cases across Canada in the past 62 years. In doing so, the study aims to examine offender and victim characteristics, victim targeting and access, and modus operandi. Findings show that cases of sexual homicide and sexual murderers included in the current study differ in many aspects from the portrait of the sexual murderer and his or her crime depicted in previous studies. The authors' results may prove useful to the police officers responsible for the investigation of these crimes.
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