Unusual attempted suicide or covered attempted homicide? A neck stabbing case report and review of literature

Int J Legal Med. 2021 Mar;135(2):555-559. doi: 10.1007/s00414-020-02379-w. Epub 2020 Jul 22.

Abstract

A medico-legal consult is frequently required in a clinical context in order to assess the eventual compatibility of specific wounds with a self- or hetero-infliction. Accordingly, the case of a 52-year-old man with a single, penetrating stab wound of the neck, reported as self-inflicted, is here presented. The forensic aspects, taken into account in order to determine the self- or hetero-infliction nature of the wound, are further discussed and compared to cases described in the literature.

Keywords: Homicidal stabbing; Self-stabbing; Single stab wounds.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Crime Victims / psychology
  • Forensic Medicine*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck Injuries / etiology*
  • Suicide, Attempted
  • Wounds, Stab / etiology*