Imaging for homicide investigations

Radiol Med. 2015 Sep;120(9):846-55. doi: 10.1007/s11547-015-0529-x. Epub 2015 Mar 17.

Abstract

The authors present the opportunities of the application of post-mortem imaging, focusing on post-mortem computed tomography and post-mortem computed tomography angiography in modern forensic investigation of homicide cases. The paper is based on scientific publications related to the subject from ca. the past 10 years, supplemented by the authors' own experiences. The article is illustrated with reconstructions based on the authors' own cases related to homicide due to ballistic/sharp/blunt trauma. As is shown, the results of evaluation of post-mortem computed tomography allow better diagnosis, documentation and visualisation of forensic examinations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiography / methods*
  • Autopsy / methods
  • Forensic Pathology / methods*
  • Homicide*
  • Humans
  • Postmortem Changes
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*