Homicide of six family members using multiple methods in Sri Lanka

Abstract

A family of six members were murdered at their own residence. Four of the family members had been killed with large heavy sharp weapons which produced multiple deep cut injuries predominantly on the neck and face. In these victims, death occurred as a result of haemorrhage. Two family members were killed by ligature strangulation and hanging. The victim, who was hanged, was sexually abused before she was killed. An unusual finding was the presence of an alleged assailant to the murders with multiple blunt weapon trauma to his body, at the scene of crime. The homicides of the family were as a result of personal disputes between the perpetrators who were their neighbours. Three of the alleged assailants were charged for murder and rape. The fourth assailant was charged for rape. No conclusive evidence as to who caused the death of the alleged perpetrator was reached.