Semi Final Legal Medicine 1

SPECIALIZEDCRIME
OBE-Based
INVESTIGATIONW/
LEGALMEDICINE
ii
Specialized Crime Investigation
w/Legal Medicine
ACourseModuleforStudents
Burauen CommunityCollege
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SEMIFINALMODULE
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SPCI W/ LEGAL MEDICINE Preface
SEMI-FINALS
The application of legal medicine in criminal investigation with emphasis on the medico legal
aspects of physical injuries, death, abortion, burns, poisoning and other medico legal cases plays a
crucial part in proving innocence or guilt in the court of law or in emerging facts that may arrive that a
certain death are of natural causes. Therefore, a thorough, complete and methodical investigation and
examinations are broad ingredients to resolve a case specially those complex and difficult in nature
categorized as specialcrimes. Furthermore, in the process of identifying and determining the manner of
suspicious and violent deaths the burden lies in the hands of medical experts. Applying their medical
knowledge especially in conducting postmortem examinations and autopsies, it help elucidating
uncertainconclusion whetherdeaths are homicidal,suicidal accidentalornatural.
Allthroughout,this course module willgive an adequate knowledgetothe studentsboth in
theoretical and practical aspects of special crimes that applies the concept of Legal medicine. First, they
will learn different medico legal aspects of death, signs and changes that happens to ahuman bodyafter
death, the manner and causes of death and the special cases that require broadunderstandingdue to it
complexities. In addition, the students will also learn the different classification of Physical injuries
including the classification of wounds; gunshot wound, stab wounds. The degree of Burns, the
symptomsofpoisons anddrowningwas alsodiscussed.
At the end of this module, the students will be given test tochallenge their learnings and to
measure their ability to reason out their perception through an interpretive assessment and a reflective
essay.
SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 6

SPCI W/ LEGAL MEDICINE SEMI-FINALS
UNITIII MEDICO-LEGALASPECTOFPHYSICAL
INJURIES
WhatisPhysicalInjury?
In thefieldof ForensicMedicine, PhysicalInjuryrefers tothedamagedinflicted on anypart of the

bodydue todeliberate oraccidentalapplication of mechanicalor othertraumaticagent (Payne, 2005).
It isalsoanabnormal condition producedbythe application of outside stimuli.
RevisedPenalCode classifiesPhysicalInjuries into;
1. any person who shall wound, beat, orassault anothershall be guilty
for the crime of serious physical injuries when the injured person become insane, imbecile,
impotent or blind. When the injured person loses the use of speech or the power to hear or smell,
loses an eye, hand , a foot an arm or a leg.When the injured person become deformed or loses any
other memberofhis bodyorloose the use thereof. If the PhysicalInjuriesinflicted shallhave caused
the illness or incapacityforlaborofthe injuredpersonformorethan thirty(30) days.
2. -any person who shall inflct upon another physical injuries not
describe in the proceeding articles but will incapacitate the offended party for labor for at least 10
daysbut nolongerthan 30days.
3. - it is an injury that will incapacitate subject and will
requiremedication for 1to9days
Evidencetoshowthefatal(severityorgravity)effectsofthewound.
1. Amount ofhemorrhage– continues bleeding(internalorexternal)
2. Size ofthe injurysustained– fatalifit has abiggersize
3. Organs andpart ofthebodyinvolved– ifthe injuryinvolvedthe vitalorgan, it is fatal
4. Mechanicaleffect on vital organs– ex.,poisonfromtheknife, rustedknife.
CausesofPhysicalInjuries
1. Physical violence
2. Heator cold
3. Electrical energy
4. Radiation
5. Change in atmospheric pressure

TYPES OF PHYSICAL INJURY
1. WOUNDS - it is a disruption of the continuity of tissues and lining epithelium (layer of the skin)
produced by external mechanical force. The terminjuryis like wound, but it has a broader definition that
emphasizes harm caused by various factors such as heat, cold, chemicals, electricity, and radiation, as
well as damagecausedbyphysicalforce.
The necessity of accurate examination and documenting of injuries is emphasized by forensic
pathologists and forensic physicians to provide effective aid in determining the cause, which may
subsequentlybecome asource ofcontention incourtsorother legal processes
ClassificationofWounds
A. Astoseverity
■ MortalWounds-alsoknown as lethalwounds capableofcausingdeath when inflicted.
■ Non-mortalwounds-wounds that donotinduce deathrightafter theyare inflicted.
B. Astokindofinstrumentused
■ Caused by blunt instruments – Contusion, hematoma, and lacerated wounds are injuries
caused by strong contact with a blunt object, usually not sharp devices. Fists, hammers, baseball bats,
furniture, floors, walls, roads, trees, andwoodlands are all examples of blunt items. This is one of the most
common types of traumas that forensic pathologists face. A moving object striking the body or a moving
body striking an object can both cause these injuries. Abrasion, contusion or bruising, and lacerations
arethethree basictypes ofblunt force.
■ Causedbysharpinstruments
✓ -causedincisedwound
✓ -causedpuncturedwoundlike nails
✓ produces stabwounds
C. Astomannerofinflection
■ Hit-bymeans ofbolo, axe, bluntinstruments,etc.
■ Thrustorstab-bayonet dagger,knife
■ Tearingor stretching- producedbyin motionobjectslike;galvanizediron
■ Gunpowderexplosion -producedbyprojectile orshrapnel
■ Slidingor rubbing-produce abrasion
D. Astothedepthofwound– involves internalstructure andlayer oftheskin
■ -woundwhich involve the outerlayerofthe skin
■ -woundwhichinvolves theouter andinnerstructure of the body.
• -refers toawoundin which asolidorgan or tissueis pierced by
an instrument.

• - This is a wound in which the exterior and inner regions of the

hollow organs communicate. It also refers to a wound in which the instruments pierce a solid organ or
tissues.
E. Astothesiteapplicationofforceandlocationofinjury
■ – thedamage occurs attheapplicationforce's location
■ – the damage that occurs on the opposite side of the force application
location.
■ - injury discovered at the application of force and in the opposite
direction
■ - an injury that occurs both at and opposite the site of force
application, butinthose locations thatgive the least resistance totheforce.
■ - it is an injuryinvolving agreater areabeyond the site of the application of
force; visibletovictims of explosion
F. Astothetypeofwounds
1. CLOSED WOUNDS - it involves tissues without break / damage in the skin or mucous
membrane
• Superficialclosewounds
a. Epithelia - the extraversion of blood in the subcutaneous tissue or mucous
membrane.

b. Contusionalsoknown as bruise - refers discoloration caused by a hemorrhage beneath the skin,

tissue, ormucus that does notresultina surface breach.
■ Effusionofbloodintothetissues underneaththe skin.
■ When a harsh impact ruptures blood vessels, allowing red blood cells to escape into the
surroundingtissues, this substanceis produced. Crushing,squeezing, or pinchingcanoccurbecauseof
astrikeor afall, forexample.
✓ 4-5days’ colorchangedtogreen.
✓ 7 -10days itbecomes yellowandgraduallydisappears on the 14th or 15th day
: The ultimate disappearance of color varies from 1 - 4 weeks depending upon the severity
andconstitution of the body.
a. Hematoma(bloodtumor) -extraversionofbloodina newlyformedcavity.

b. Ecchymosis-aformof hematomaonlythattheextentofextraversion ofbloodis widerbut thinner.
c. Petechiae– circumscribed extraversion of blood in the subcutaneous tissues of the skin, does
notinvolvethemuscletissue
Deepclosedwounds– Musculoskeletalinjuries

a. Fracture– Asolution of thecontinuityof the bone

• Simple fracture
• Opencompoundfracture
• Comminutedfracture
• Greenstickfracture
• Linearfracture
• Spiralfracture
• Pathologicfracture
b. Sprain – partial or complete disruption, Separation or tearing of the articular
tendons, ligaments, or muscles beneath the skin that support a joint. (Ankle
sprain-athletes)
c. Strained-musclefiberrippingorrupture
d. Dislocation– displacement of the articular surfaces of bones entering the creation
ofajointare separatedfromoneother.
e. Cerebral or brain concussion - It is caused by the jarring of the brain, which causes
some turbulencein the cerebralsubstance.
f. InternalHemorrhage-such as intracranial, organ rupture,andorganlacerations.
2. OPENWOUNDS-askin ormucous membrane breach,or the protectiveskinlayeris damage.

Abrasion - characterized by the loss of the skin's superficial layer due to friction with a hard,
rough surface. Skin injuries that just affect the outer layer of the skin and do not penetrate the
epidermisentirelyarereferredtoasthis. Whena bluntobjectstrike6s the skin's surface, the superficial
layers are disrupted and lost, as well as the skin and mucous membranes are crushed and lost.
Abrasions maybleedmildly,healfast,and leave noscarsin some cases.
Abrasions are frequently dismissed as superficial or unimportant by traditional doctors, and

hence gounnoticed. A forensic pathologist or forensic physician, on the other hand, can learn a lotfrom
abrasion. Anin-depthexamination canrevealthe exactspotwhere the objectmadetouch with the skin,

the shape of the object that caused the wound, and the direction in which the damaged object was
travelingwhen it contactedthe skin.
Small, crescent-shaped abrasions caused by the victim's or assailant's fingernails could be
discoveredbya forensic pathologist investigating a case of manual strangling on the neck. Traces of the
object, such as grit or glass, can be found on the contaminated graze, whereas skin pieces from the
sufferer can be retrieved from the wounding instrument. This could have major medico-legal
ramifications andshouldbe carefullysubmittedforforensicinvestigation.
Linear– has alength butnosignificantwidth,causedbysharppointed materials
b. Multi-linear
c. Confluent-mostlyindistinguishable duetoseverityof frictionandroughness of the object.
d. Multiple-severalabrasions notedonthebodysurface oftheperson.
a. Scratches is a linear abrasion caused by dragging a sharp point across the skin's or mucous
membrane's surface. Plant thorns, barbed wire, human fingernails, and animal claws are
common examples.
b. Brushabrasionrefers tolarge regions of abrasion causedbyfriction; hence the phrase brush burns.
This is most typically seen as road rash after a motor/ vehicle collision in which the victim slides
aroundthe road's surface

c. Grazes-A graze is a superficial skin injuryandcan be a single scratch or a grazed area of the skin.
Onlythe top layer of the skin is affected causing slight damage to the nerve endings and blood
vessels.
d. Impactorimprintabrasion– shape ofthe objectusedtoproduceinjury

e. Pressureor friction abrasion– caused by pressure due to movement -seen in suicide, hanging or
strangulation
b. IncisedWound-Cuts or slices caused bya sharp-edged object that has impacted the body in an
approximate parallel or tangential direction, such as a bolo, broken glass, etc. The instrument that
caused the damage was generally traveling in a slicing motion, with sharp angles at either end. Clean
margins, minimal bruising, and no nerve or vascular bridging are common features of incised injuries.
There are no contusions or abrasions in this sort of incision, which is usuallystraight and longer than it
isdeep. There is visiblebleeding,andthebloodvessels andnerves arevisiblydivided.
■ Impactcut – there is aforciblecontactand pressure
■ Slicedcut–
■ Choppedorhackedcut– producedbyaxe

C. Laceratedwoundtearing of the skin because of forced contact with a blunt object with irregular edges.
When an itemcollides with a force greater than its elastic capacity,it causes tissue splittingand violent
tearing of the skin. It's produced by blunt force, acceleration, or deceleration injuries, but it's not the
same as incisedwounds fromsharpobjects.
.
✓ Raggedwounds withanirregular tissue plane division
✓ Thetension of elasticandmuscular tissues causesthemtogape.
✓ Bruisedandabradedmargins are common.
✓ Bloodveins,nerves, andfragiletissue bridges maybeexposedinthedepths ofthe
wound, pollutedbydirtor shards of glass,forexample.
✓ Lacerations of the skin overlayingbone, especiallyon the scalp, face, or shin, can
split the skin socleanlythat itappears tobe an incision.

Stabwound– producedbyasharppointedandsharpededge instruments force inward. Stabwound

is often also calledas , wound . The direction of the force is usually
perpendicular to the skin surface. It is often caused by a weapon being trust at, or into a victim.
However, a stab wound may also be the result of a moving body against a relativelystationarypointed
object. (Prahlow&Byard,2012). A stab woundusuallyhas adepththat is greater than itswidth orlength.
Although they contain little or no external blood, they pose a risk to crucial organs. Knives, daggers,
scissors, screwdrivers, and band pokers are examples of causative objects. On the other hand, a
dagger with a sharp tip and a double-edged blade makes an oval wound with sharp edges and
clean-cut ends. Another example is the squaring or fishtailing of one extremity of a wound caused by
the non-cutting back of a single-edged kitchen knife blade. The wound appears more rounded when
stabbedwithscissors, with bruisingaroundtheedges.

E. Puncturedwound-producedbysharpedpointedinstruments
• Woundproducedbypowderexplosion-firearm, grenade, dynamite, etc.

• Mutilation-itis theintentionalact ofcuttingorloopinganyparts of the livingbody.
• Avulsion - it is an injury in which the body structure is torn off by either trauma or surgery.
DerivedfromLatin term“ avellere” “ meaningtotearoff” .
SPECIALTYPEOFWOUNDS
• Defensive Wounds - Defensive wounds are injuries acquired by victims because of their
natural reaction to protect oneself from attack. Defensive injuries include sharp force
injuries, blunt force injuries, and bullet wounds. The victim of a sharp blade attack will
frequently try to disarm the assailant and seize the weapon, harming themselves in the
process.
• Patternedwounds - wound in the nature and shape of an instruments and which infers an
objectorinstruments causingit.
• Self-inflicted wounds - parallel, shallowly incised wounds that heal and leave several, fine,
horizontal, linear white scars, often known as shallow cuts as a type of self-harmthat falls
short ofattemptedsuicide.

BURNS
Most burns are caused by dry heat, which happens when a person comes into contact with a
flame or a heated solidobject, or when theyare exposedtoradiant heat. Burns caused bymoist heat are
known as scald burns. Chemical burns are causedbyacids and alkalis, as well as vesicants employed in
chemicalwarfare. Microwaves andelectricitycanalsocauseburns.
Burns are injuries caused by friction, electricity, lightning, corrosive substances, and radiation,
according tomedical andlegal definitions. Multiple processes are triggeredwhena tissue's abilitytocool
itselffails to respondtoexternallyprovidedheat,resultingintissueharm.
Old people are more prone to death comparedto adult, while children are generally better able to
stand burns. However, burns of 10% children or 15% in adults are potentially life-threatening injuries.
Men also tolerate b urns better than women “ rule of nine’ ’ as shown below is also a useful way to
estimate the total bodysurface areaaffectedbyburns (Diangson, 2020).
CAUSESOFBURNS
1. HEATEDSOLID
2. FLAME
3. LIQUIDS
4. X-RAYS
5. EXPLOSIONS-COAL MINES,GUNPOWDER
6. UV-SUN,MERCURYVAPOR LAMP
7. CORROSIVE
8. ELECTRICAL
RULEOFNINE-it is a tool used to estimate aburns percentage of a total skin. It divides a body into section
bymultiples of9% each. Each percentage can be broken down into lower percentage based on the body
partsinvolves or suffereddamage.
Nota Bene:
Area Percentage
1. Headandneck 9%(4.5%anterior)(4.5-posterior)
2. Right upperlimb 9%(9%-posteriorupper limb)(9%-posteriorupperlimb)
3. Left upperlimb 9%(9%-posteriorupperlimb)(9%-posteriorupperlimb)
4. Right lower limb 18%(9%-anteriorlowerlimb)(9%-posterior lower limb)
5. Left lowerlimb 18%(9%-anteriorlowerlimb)(9%-posterior lower limb)
6. Anterior trunk 18%(9%-chest)(9%-stomach)
7. Posterior trunk 18%(9%-upperback)(9%-lowerback)
8. Genitalia 1%
Total 100%

Achemicalfirecanreach thousandsofdegrees intemperature. Ahouse fire'stemperature rarely

exceeds 649 degrees Celsius (1200F). At this temperature, an adult is unlikelytocompletelyburn. Even if
the external corpse is burned and unrecognizable, post-mortem forensic procedures for identification
can be used since certain internal organs and viable tissues may still be intact, and DNA samples can be
obtained. The core of the tooth, bone marrow, and even blood can all be used to extract DNA. Teeth are
normally in excellent condition for identification reasons. This is regarded to be one of the most
successful treatments for dealing with burn sufferers. Toxicology and carbon monoxide testing are
alsoavailable.
Thepattern ofburnsgeneratedbyburningclothingmayreflect the fabric'scompositionaswellas
the victim's position and movement. Because fat acts as an accelerant, a clothed body burns more
thoroughly than an unclothed body, and an obese person's body burns more thoroughly than a slimmer
person's body.
The coagulation of proteins causes the muscles to tense and bring the arms and legs into a bent
position when the body is subjected to an extremely high temperature. The "pugilistic attitude" refers to
the burnedposition orfencingposture thathas beencomparedtothatof apugilist orboxer.
CLASSIFICATIONOFBURNS
According to HEISTER andRICHTER CLASSIFICATION-in 18th century practice of classifying burns

intodegrees was introduced,thisis were burns was classified intofour.
1st degree -heatandpain, smallblisters
2nd degree -severe pain andlarge blisters
3rd degree-damage oftheskinandunderlyingflesh
4th degree -damagetoallsofttissues downtothe bones
According to DUPUYTREN’ S CLASSIFICATION - in 19th century burns was classified into six
categories.
1ST degree -erythema
2nd degree -skin inflammation w/ epidermal detachment
3rd degree-partialdestruction ofthepapillarylayer
4th degree -destructionofthe skin down tothe subcuticularlayer
5th degree -crust formationover skin andmuscle
6th degree -alllayers oftheskin aredamage includingbones,joints, ligaments where itwillappear
white or black
AccordingtoHEBRA’ SCLASSIFICATION-classifiedburnsintothree
Epidermal (1-2)
Dermal(2-3)
Deep(4-6)
AccordingtoCLINICALCLASSIFICATION-classifiedburns intotwo
Superficial( 1 TO 4) - refers to skin conditions that only affect the epidermis, or outer layer
of the skin

Deep burns( 5 TO 6) - involves tissues, and bones, as well as the dermis (the deep
vascularinnerlayer oftheskin).
A. FirstdegreeBurns
■ Erythema(redness) edema-(swelling because oftoomuchfluidtrappedin tissues), and
discomfortareallsymptoms oftheseinjuries, whichaffectonlytheepidermis.
■ Theyare causedbyprolongedlow-intensityheatexposure, andtheyshowupas ared
discolorationandsurfaceirritation.
■ Skin peelingiscommonas it heals, andittakes around5to10daysforit torecover
completelywith noscarring.
B. SecondDegreeBurns
■ Alsoknownas partialthickness burns.
■ The epidermis and upper third dermis are completely affected by the most superficial
second-degreeburn.
■ This type of burn causes blisters and is exceedinglypainful. It takes 7 to14 days to cure
withminimalscars.
The upper part of the dermis is covered by a profound second-degree burn that does not expand
beyond the dermis. Because nerve endings in the dermis are destroyed, these deeper burns are less
painful. Wound healing is extremely slow, requiring weeks or even months in some circumstances. This
canresultin heavyscarring if nottreatedwith skin grafting.

is a procedure that involves removing healthy skin fromone place of the

bodyandtransplanting(moving)it toanother. Damagedormissingskinis covered orreplacedbyhealthy
skin. Burns,accidents, sickness, andinfectioncanallcauseskinloss orinjury.
C. ThirdDegreeBurns
Third-degree burns, also known as full-thickness burns, damage the epidermis and dermis
completely. The tissues become avascular andexhibit a waxy white appearance due toheat coagulation
of the cutaneous blood vessels. The burn turns leathery brown or black burned when subcutaneous fat
encounters flame for an extended period. There is no pain because all the nerve endings have been
removed. Skingraftingis essentialinthesecircumstances becauseskinregeneration is impossible.

D. FourthDegreeBurns
These burns are alsoknownas charringinjuriescausedbytissuecombustion. Theepidermis
andsubcutaneoustissues are destroyed,andthe boneis completelyorpartiallycharred.

Causes of deathin burns

1. IMMEDIATEDEATH
Shock
hypovolemicshock
Asphyxia
2. DELAYED DEATH
-Pulmonaryedema
-Electrolyteimbalance(exhaustion)(hypokalemia)
-toxaemia–
-septecaemia
- renalfailure
POSTMORTEMAPPEARANCEINBURNS
1. FACE– distorted, withtongueprotrudedout
2. Skin – varies acc. Tothe nature ofthe substance,charring,roasted
3. Hair– fragileeffect(singeingofhair, curly
4. Pugilisticattitude– boxers attitude
5. Charringof the body

6. Postmortemstaining– cherryred incolor duetopresence ofcarbon monoxide ifthe individual

was alive andbreathingduring fire
TYPESOFBURNS
■ DryBurns
Burns caused by dry heat sources are also known as dry burns. Ovens, stoves, hot engines,
mufflers, radiator grills, garments, irons, hair dryers, heating pads, and furnaces are just a few examples.
Burns in children can be either accidental or intentional. Dryburning is another type of fire-related injury.
(Prahlow&Byard)
■ Scalds
Moisture, any heated liquid, such as water, oil, or even molten rubber or metal, can be used to
create steam., can produce them. They are usually milder than burns caused by dry heat. The scalded
region appears to be erythematous (abnormal redness of the skin caused by blood vessel dilatation),
desquamation (loss of outer skin) and blistering of the ordinarily well-defined injury area are common.
Skin charring and hair singeing are not caused by scalds, but scalds can cause first, second-, and
third-degree burns. Scalding burns can be caused by immersion in scalding hot liquid, splashing or
pouring hotliquid allover the body, or inhaling superheated vapor that causes majorharmtothe mucous
intheairway. The locationandpattern of scaldedareascan helpdetermineif the scalding was accidental,
homicidal,or intentional.

■ ChemicalBurns
This damage is caused by contact with corrosive acids and alkalis. Direct tissue injury causes
drying or blistering, protein or fat breakdown, or disruption of cellular metabolicprocesses in the majority
of theseinjuries. It couldtake much time forthe burn toappear. (Diangson, 2020).
Chemical burns, like scalds, have a pattern that can reveal how they happened. When liquid
corrosives are thrownover avictim, the goalis usuallytocause facialdisfigurement rather thandeath.
■ FireBurns
The most common types of thermal injuries observed in death investigations are burns from
building or residential fires. Such burns can result from radiant heat harm alone, person catching fire or
tissues coming into contact with burning clothes or bedding. In the case of a fire, death investigation
entails identifyingthe victimanddeterminingwhetherthe victimdiedduringor before the fire.

MEDICOLEGALIMPORTANCEOFBURNS
1. Identification ofthedeceased– in identifyingthe deceaseditis verymuch difficulttoidentifyif

the bodywas completelyburned; theff. maybe helpful
a. Mettalicobjectinthebodylike; ringkeys,necklace

b. Sexofthedeceased– prostate for male andnulli-parous uterus forfemale willnot getburn

evenexposedtoa veryhigh temperature.
c. Ageofthedeceased– usuallyestablishedbythe teethandossification ofbones
d. Visual– developmentanderuption ofteeth(type oftooth; central, lateral, canine, firstmolar
andsecondmolar)
or radiographic
2. whetherburns are ante mortemorpostmortem
3. whetherburns are the cause ofdeath ornot
a. presence ofcarbonaceous orsootparticles (pm2.5micrometers in diametersmeaning

smallerthan dust particles)in the respiratorytractmixedwith (First line
of defenseagainstirritants inhaled)
b. Cherryreddiscolorationof bloodduetocarboxyhaemoglobin(bindingofcarbon
monoxideand blood. This is stable andcannot transportoxygen
4. Whether the burns are suicidal,accidental, homicidal, self-inflicted
ASPHYXIA
Asphyxiacomes fromaGreekwordmeaning‘ ’ withoutapulse’ ’ . Itrefers to astate inwhich

the body's oxygen supplyis drasticallydepletedbecause ofaninabilitytobreatheregularly. It can be
definedas anybecause thatinterferes with breathing, suchasmechanical, environmental, orpoisonous
factors.
■ Any death is considered asphyxia in nature because all bodies deoxygenate after death.
However, in modern forensic medical practice, asphyxia means interference with the
naturalexchangeofoxygenandcarbondioxideinthebody.
When the lungs' respiratory function quits because of a lack of oxygen, the heart and brain fail
because of oxygen deprivation. Anyof the followingcausescanresultinthiswayofdeath: (Sharma, 2011)
1. 1. External pressure to close air passages (e.g., hanging, strangulation, smothering) or
mechanical obstruction to air passages (e.g., impaction of foreign bodies, bronchospasm,
suffocation, drowning.) When the respiratoryfunction of the lungs stops because of lack of
oxygen, it causes heart and brain failure due to oxygen deprivation. Any of the following
causes canresultin this wayof death:
2. Beingat ahigheraltitude with alack of nn oxygen.
3. Poisoning(e.g.,cyanide) causes adisruption in oxygenuse at the cellularlevel.
4. The lungs or chest muscles can collapse as a result of penetrating chest injuries. (STABBING
INCIDENTS)
5. Pulmonary embolism (-sudden blockage in your pulmonary arteries, the blood vessels that
sendbloodtoyour lungs,tetanus andcoldthatleadtoasphyxia
6. Ingestionof poison, suchasstrychnine,barbiturates andopium.
The transfer of oxygen that can be compromised in asphyxia is separated into the following four phases
(Prahlow&Byard,2012)
1. Decreasedamount ofoxygenin the environment
2. Reducedtransferfromthe airtothe blood
3. Reducedtransport fromthe lungs tothetissues.
4. Reducedtransferacross cellmembranes
Asphyxia causes death in a variety of ways, depending on the mechanismofdeaththat affects respiration
or ventilation,such as thoselistedbelow. (Walker, 2005)
■ Suffocation
Exclusion of air from the lungs through mechanisms other than neck compression, ex;
It is the most common termfor deaths caused bya shortage of oxygen, as well as deaths caused
by other harmless gases that are inhaled. This may happen to a homicide victim who is left to die in a
confined space, or to a child who, while playing hide and seek, enters a self-locking fridge or box, and
discovers nowayout. Increasedcarbondioxide levels ina submarinecan cause respiratorycollapseand
central nervous systemdepression.
When newborns are placed in a sleeping position that puts them at risk of rebreathing carbon
dioxide, carbon dioxide poisoning can develop. Toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, cyanide, and
hydrogen sulfide, when present at high concentrations in an enclosed environment, can induce fast
collapseanddeath. (Payne – James, 2005).
The establishment of a small hypoxic environment within a plastic bag securely attached around
the head is another method of suffocation. This could be a premeditated suicidal act or an unintentional
conductbythe child. When the bagis removed, the decedent'sfaceis usuallypale.
■ Smothering
It occurs when an item, such as a hand, pillow, duct tape, or plastic bag, blocks the external
airways (mouth or nostrils). At the very least, both the nasal cavities and the mouth, or the upper airway,
mustbe partiallyblocked.
■ Choking
It occurs when food, vomit, blood, or other foreign substances clog the larynx. This can happen
when a substantial amount of food gets caught in the pharynx or larynx opening, causing the victim to
gagandbe unable tobreathor exhale, resultingin asphyxiation. (Adelman,2007)
Chocking is usually unintentional l, and it frequently occurs when inebriated people with no teeth
or dentures eat improper foods or eat too quickly. When a gag is inserted in the mouth and/or pharynx, it
can potentiallybe homicidal. This can also happen toinfants andtoddlers who have inadequate chewing
skills andput nonfoodobjects orimpropermeals intheir mouth. (Dolinak&Matshes,2005).
■ Chestcompression
It is the mechanical restriction of the lungs' expansion by compressing them, obstructing
breathing. When the chest or abdomen is compressed posteriorly, it prevents cardio-respiratory
function. Crush or traumatic asphyxia is a condition in which the chest is squeezed, either by other
people(as in astampedesituation where peopleare crushing each other) orbysolidobjects.
■ Strangulation
Is a violent form of death that occurs when mechanical stresses are applied to the neck using a
ligature (ligature strangulation) or with merely the hands (hand strangulation) (manual strangulation).
Strangulation differs from hanging in that the smothering force is applied by an assailant using, for
example,a rope as aligature device,ratherthan the victim's ownbodyweight.
is sometimes associated with sexual attack and is often used by a man
against a woman or a child. Common injuries sustained include abrasion and bruises on the front and
side of the neck, at each side of the laryngeal prominence, and just below the jawline. However, such
injuries maybe difficult to interpret if the hands are applied, loosened, and reapplied repeatedly. There
maybe also linear abrasion or scratches from the fingernails of both the assailant and the victim.
(Shepherd2016).
In , A constricting band is tightened around the neck, such as rope, wire,
string, electric cable, telephone cable, scarf, stocking, or a piece of cloth. The mark on the neck is crucial
evidence since it can reveal the ligature's substance. The victim's attempt to remove the ligature may
have resulted in scratchesontheneck.
Hanging
Acircumstance in which avictim'sownbodyweight, oraportion oftheirbodyweight, exerts a
compressivestrain on the neck. A ligature device,such as arope, cordbelt,or othermaterial fashioned
intoaslipknot,is tightenedaroundaperson's neck, andthe victimthen lets his orherown weightapply

the smotheringforce. Suspension fromahighpoint with the bodyhangingentirelyfree under gravityand

the feetclear ofthe groundis knownas hanging.
a. Occlusionof the carotids andvertebral arteries;

b. Thebaseofthe tongue is pressedtothe backandupwardinsidetheneckoccludingthe
nasopharynx
c. Occlusionanddirectlaryngealortrachealinjury
d. BrainstemdamagecausedbyacervicalfractureBV.
DROWNING
Due to submersion of the bodyin waterorotherfluids, atmospheric air is preventedfromentering

the lungs, resulting in death. This is the most common cause of death in bodies found in water, including
swimming pools, ponds, lakes, oceans, rivers, fountains, and wells. However, drowning can occur even
if only the face is submerged, therefore total submersion is not required for death. It can also happen
indoors, in bathtubs, water through pipes, or even buckets of water. Drowningis a regular occurrence in
infants, toddlers, andyoung children who fall into water and are unable toget out. It is also typical among
inebriatedorhigh-riskadolescents andyoungadults (Byard,2012).
Adalman, 2007
✓ When submergedinwater,the bodydevelops an instinctive breath-holdingreaction.
✓ Because the victim is fully aware of the dangers of breathing water, this is rapidly
followed by the voluntary act of holding one's breath. Panic sets in, followed by a
desperate attempt toswimor floattothe surface, knowingfullwellthat if this is feasible,
death will be the result. A healthy person can presumably hold his breath for up to one
minute,potentiallyevenlonger, butthereis alimit(usuallyunder2minutes).
✓ After then,thesubjecthas an automatic reflex to gaspforair. Huge amountsofwater
arebeinginhaledandconsumedrightnow. Achoked cough reflexmaybe triggered,
resultinginincreaseddiscomfort,terror, andthe intake,andswallowingofadditional
water.
✓ Water floodingthe lungs leaksout oftheseorgans intothepleuralcavities as the
personlosesconsciousness (the spaces in the chest thathousethelungs). Additional
watermayseepintothe abdominalcavityandthe pericardialsacas th ebodyfills with
water.
✓ Severe deficiencyofoxygen intissues or organs,possiblyinvolvinghydrostaticand
osmoticeffectof inhaled fluidwithin the small airways,therebyresults in death.
1. Whether the cause ofdeath is due to drowningor not/
a. It iscommontokillapersonorpoison andthrowthebodyinwatertoconcealthe crime.
b. In typicaldrowning, there will be
• Fine frothatnose andmouth
• Materialgraspedin hands
• Froth inthe respiratorypassages

• Detection ofdiatoms
Regardingwiththeappearance ofthedrownedbodies itis allthe same with suicidal, accidental,and

homicidal cases.
■ Whether the deceasedjumpedin, fellinor was thrown intothewater.

■ Thecircumstantialevidence willdecidethecase
1. Suicidal– commonwithproblems
• Heavyobjects orweight can be discoveredin clothingpockets.
• Suicidal note present
• Suicide isa viable option.
• Theperson's mentality
• Suicide attemptsin the past
2. Homicidal– rareexceptfvictimsischildren’ sorelderly
• Signs ofastruggle
• Assailant's personalbelongings
• Existence ofamotivationforthemurder
• Presence ofligature onthehands or legs
• Physical injuries thatcouldnot havebeen self-inflicted
• Witnesses' testimony
3. Accidental
• Seenin children, bathers,fishermen, dock workers, intoxicatedandepileptic persons.
• There are nosignsofviolence.
• Thevictim's conditionand circumstances prior todeath
• Noevidence ofhomicidal orsuicidaldrowning
• Witnesses' testimony
4. Naturaldeathoccurredwhileinthewater
• Existence ofapriorcardiovasculardisease
• Exacerbationofcurrentcondition duetophysical exertionofswimmingor struggling.
5. Injuriessustainedwhileinwater
• Canbedue towaves orcurrentagainstanykindof obstruction
• Contactwithrough bottomof ariveror stonybeach
• Damage fromboator ship’ s propeller
POISONING
described as the science that studies the origins, characteristics, and

qualities of poisons, as wellas their symptoms in the body, pharmacological activities, and treatment. It is
the study of the harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms, such as alcohol, narcotics, dangerous
gases, and industrial chemicals. It also deals with the detection and measurement of such substances
using samples such as blood, urine, and hair analysis. Forensic toxicology is the u se of toxicology to
legal issues, particularly when criminal behavior is suspected. It includes determining the involvement of
medicines andchemicals insuicides andunintentionalfatalities.
Poisonis a chemical or agent capable of causing harm to a living organism, such as sickness or
death. It can enter the body through any orifice, including the mouth, nostrils, anus, vagina, ears, and
eyes, as well as injection or inhalation. A poison is defined as a material that, whether applied or
administered inside, is employed with the intent to kill or damage. Some substances have a higher
toxicity than others. Furthermore, depending on the time of use, genetic predisposition, individual
metabolism, and prior medical issues, certain persons are more susceptible to specific drugs and
poisons.
If a poison is toxic enough in small amounts, if it can be easily disguised (for example, the taste or
odor can be easily concealed when mixed in water or food), if it causes delayed and non-specific
symptoms or appears tobe due tonaturalillness, and if it is readilyavailable and easyto work with, it can
be an effective anddeadlyinstrument ofmurder. (Stripp,2007).
Arsenic compounds used in insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, alloys, wood preservatives,

animal feed additives, semiconductors and light emitting diodes, homeopathic medicine, paints, and
ceramics are strong poisons. Arsenical have been used since the ancient times as the ‘ Poison of
Kings’ andthe“ KingPoison”
Cyanide is a type of chemical substance that is extremely hazardous. Cyanide products are
utilized in a variety of industrial operations, mostly in gold and silver mining. It's also used in fumigation,
case hardeningof iron andsteel, electroplating, andphotographic processing, among other things. This
is apoison thatacts quicklyandkills in amatterof minutes. It's been usedin alot ofsuicides and accidents,
and it's even been used in homicides. Hydrogen cyanide (also known as prussic acid or hydrocyanic
acid or HCN), a very light, blue, translucent liquid or colorless gas that can kill a human in minutes, is the
most dangerous substance. It's been used for capital punishment in gas chambers and as a chemical
weaponbyterrorists.
Strychnineis an extremely deadly crystalline alkaloid that is often collectedfromthe seeds of the
Strychnine- vomica tree, which can be found throughout India and Southeast Asia. It has no odor and
appears as a white translucent crystal or crystalline powder with a bitter taste that is easily detectable in
foods andbeverages. Itis mostlyusedtocontrolrats asa pesticide.
Carbon monoxide is an extremely poisonous gas created when organic molecules are
incompletely burned. When there isn't enough oxygen to make carbon monoxide, it develops. It is
colorless,odorless,tasteless,andnon-irritatingat first, makingitextremelydifficulttodetect.
Thalliumisa soft graymetalfoundin potassium-basedores atthesurfaceof the earth. Itcan also

be produced as a by-product of heavy metal sulfide ore refinement and used in the building of electrical

devices, switches, the semiconductor industry, the fabrication of specialized objects, and various
medicinal procedures. Thallium sulfate is a dense white powder salt that is odorless, tasteless, and very
deadly. It has long been used as a rat poison. This sulfate salt is water soluble and can enter the body
through eating, inhalation, or skin contact.
Aconite(orAconitine) is a poison generated by the Aconitum napellus plant, also known as monk's
hood, wolf's bane, devil's helmet, or blue rocket, and found primarily in the northern hemisphere's
mountainous regions. It was once thought to be the deadliest material known to man, and it was
historically used to poison arrow and lance tips in order to kill convicted criminals and to poison the
enemies' watersupply. Aconiteis awhitepowderthatis just slightlysolublein waterbutextremelysoluble
in alcohol. The fast-acting poison targets the electrically excitable cells of the neurological,
cardiovascular, and skeletal musculartissues, causingirregular andpotentially fatal heart rhythms within
minutesofexposure.
Ricinis naturallyoccurring, verypoisonous protein generatedfromthe seeds ofthecastoroilplant

Ricin is twice as deadly as cobra venom and it is poisonous if inhaled, injected, or
ingested. It has a high lethality, causing weakness, fever, and pulmonaryedemaafter inhalation that can
lead to death from hypoxemia in 2 to 3 days. Following ingestion, the first symptoms of ricin poisoning
usually occurs in less than six hours. Death takes place within 36 to 72 hours of exposure, depending on
the route exposure(Stripp, 2007).
Leadis a soft and pliable metal used in the construction of buildings, lead acid batteries, bullets
and shoots, weights, solders, pewters, and fusible alloys, as well as a radiation barrier. The most frequent
salt that causes acute poisoning is lead acetate. The userwillhave asweet, metallic astringenttaste in the
mouth, as well as a burning sensation in the throat and stomach, salivation, and acute thirst, almost
immediatelyafter administration.Paint sprayers, compositors, plumbers,enamelworkers, glass blowers,
electric light workers, and lead ore refiners are among the workers who are exposed to lead and its
products ona regularbasis.


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SPECIALIZEDCRIME

ALL RIGHTSRESERVED. Nopartof this publicationAllrights arereserved. Nopart ofthis

For studentswho want to purchase additional copiesof thismodule,you maysendyour

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 6

In thefieldof ForensicMedicine, PhysicalInjuryrefers tothedamagedinflicted on anypart of the

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 7

TYPES OF PHYSICAL INJURY

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 8

• - This is a wound in which the exterior and inner regions of the

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 9

b. Contusionalsoknown as bruise - refers discoloration caused by a hemorrhage beneath the skin,

a. Hematoma(bloodtumor) -extraversionofbloodina newlyformedcavity.

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 10

a. Fracture– Asolution of thecontinuityof the bone

2. OPENWOUNDS-askin ormucous membrane breach,or the protectiveskinlayeris damage.

Abrasions are frequently dismissed as superficial or unimportant by traditional doctors, and

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 11

Linear– has alength butnosignificantwidth,causedbysharppointed materials

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 12

d. Impactorimprintabrasion– shape ofthe objectusedtoproduceinjury

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 13

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 14

Stabwound– producedbyasharppointedandsharpededge instruments force inward. Stabwound

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 15

• Woundproducedbypowderexplosion-firearm, grenade, dynamite, etc.

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 16

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 17

Achemicalfirecanreach thousandsofdegrees intemperature. Ahouse fire'stemperature rarely

According to HEISTER andRICHTER CLASSIFICATION-in 18th century practice of classifying burns

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 18

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 19

is a procedure that involves removing healthy skin fromone place of the

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 20

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 21

Causes of deathin burns

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 22

6. Postmortemstaining– cherryred incolor duetopresence ofcarbon monoxide ifthe individual

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 23

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 24

1. Identification ofthedeceased– in identifyingthe deceaseditis verymuch difficulttoidentifyif

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 25

b. Sexofthedeceased– prostate for male andnulli-parous uterus forfemale willnot getburn

a. presence ofcarbonaceous orsootparticles (pm2.5micrometers in diametersmeaning

Asphyxiacomes fromaGreekwordmeaning‘ ’ withoutapulse’ ’ . Itrefers to astate inwhich

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 28

the smotheringforce. Suspension fromahighpoint with the bodyhangingentirelyfree under gravityand

a. Occlusionof the carotids andvertebral arteries;

Due to submersion of the bodyin waterorotherfluids, atmospheric air is preventedfromentering

• Froth inthe respiratorypassages

Regardingwiththeappearance ofthedrownedbodies itis allthe same with suicidal, accidental,and

■ Whether the deceasedjumpedin, fellinor was thrown intothewater.

described as the science that studies the origins, characteristics, and

Arsenic compounds used in insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, alloys, wood preservatives,

Thalliumisa soft graymetalfoundin potassium-basedores atthesurfaceof the earth. Itcan also

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 31

Ricinis naturallyoccurring, verypoisonous protein generatedfromthe seeds ofthecastoroilplant

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 32

SPECIALIZEDCRIME INVESTIGATION /LEGAL MEDICINE ‖ 33

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