Self-defense injuries in homicidal deaths

Abstract

In order to determine specific patterns and distribution of defense wounds, this study was done on 162 homicidal deaths which showed defense wounds in 54 (33.3%) cases. Of these 54 victims, 85.2% were males and 14.8% were females. Maximum numbers of victims were in the age group of 21–40 years. In 68.5% of cases more than one assailant were involved. It was found that in 57.4% cases, sharp weapons were used, whereas, in 11.1% and 31.5% of victims, blunt weapons and multiple weapons, respectively, were used. Fatal wounds were seen most commonly on the head and neck region. In 40.7% of cases defense wounds were seen on left side only whereas in 37% cases both sides were involved. Victim’s left forearm and hand were more commonly involved because these are nearest to the perpetrator and consistent with the preponderance of right handed individuals in the population.