ANATOMICAL DISTRIBUTION AND TRENDS IN HOMICIDAL INJURIES: A MORTUARY BASED STUDY

Homicide, a neutral term encompassing all instances of one person killing another, contrasts with the specific legal definition of murder, which necessitates intent and other jurisdictional criteria. Trauma forensics plays a pivotal role in analyzing injuries associated with homicidal deaths, which vary across cultures and depend on factors such as access to weapons and societal dynamics. This retrospective study investigated the patterns of injuries in autopsies conducted on alleged homicide victims over one year, aiming to enhance forensic interpretation and support accurate representation of homicide data. Results highlighted the head and neck as the most vulnerable anatomical regions, with young adults being the most affected demographic, particularly males. Injury types varied, with subgaleal hematoma, firearm wounds, and bruises being prevalent, while other injuries such as burns, stab wounds, and strangulation occurred less frequently. Regional variations in injury profiles reflect socio-environmental influences, emphasizing the need for targeted forensic approaches and preventive measures. The study underscores the importance of understanding demographic and anatomical patterns in homicidal cases for effective legal and forensic frameworks.