François Paraire

Suicidal Stab Wounds of the Throat

Suicide by stabbing ones throat remains very rare and very few cases have been reported in the forensic literature. In such cases, the important distinction is between suicide and homicide. The direction of stab wounds, their depth, site and number have particular importance in helping to recognize suicide. Suicide when attempted by transfixion of the neck in middle aged and elderly adults often reveals a definite resolution to kill oneself.

Skeletal Remains Presumed Submerged in Water for Three Years Identified Using PCR-STR Analysis

We describe the successful identification of the remains of a saponified body found in a dam by typing of nuclear DNA. Whereas DNA extracted from soft tissues yielded negative PCR results, DNA extracted from the bone by a slightly modified Qiagen procedure allowed the typing of sex (AMG locus) and of 10 additional STR loci. An identity document was found belonging to a man missing for 3 years and comparison of the results to the DNA profiles of his son and wife confirmed the identity. The longest delay reported until now for successful nuclear DNA genotyping after immersion in river water was 18 months. This case demonstrates a delay of up to 3 years.

Age Estimation from Quantitation of Features of “Chest Plate” X-Rays

This study presents a method for estimating the age at death from the quantitation of roentgenologic features of X-ray films of chest plates obtained during routine autopsies. Multiple linear regression analysis allows estimation of coefficients of regression of features on known age-at-death individuals. The regression equation can be used in turn for age estimation of an unknown age-at-death individual. The accuracy of age estimation is about +/- 8.4 years (standard error) which is in the range of previously published macroscopic methods, though the present method is much faster and simpler.

Cardiac contusion and hemopericardium in the absence of external thoracic trauma: case report and review of the literature.

The case of an unusual homicidal cardiac contusion is described. A previously healthy 24-year-old woman suddenly died after being kicked on the chest by her boyfriend. A forensic autopsy was performed showing no external sign of thoracic trauma. An hemopericardium and a cardiac contusion of the basal and posterior surface of the left ventricle were found to be the cause of the death. Death could be a direct consequence of the myocardial contusion through electrical instability or/and consequence of the hemopericardium because its volume and sudden apparition were sufficient to cause tamponade. Numerous associated recent skin contusions mainly located on the face were consistent with inflicted blunt force trauma, supporting homicide as a manner of death. This case report underlines the importance of a systematic complete autopsy in all cases of sudden death occurring in a young adults, to rule out a possible homicide. The present case also shows that myocardial injury must be ruled out in every living patient presenting blunt chest trauma even in the absence of external sign.

Successful extraction of human genomic DNA from serum and its application to forensic identification.

We report here on the successful extraction of human genomic DNA from a serum sample in a forensic case. The extracted DNA was successfully used for the identification of remains presumably immersed for more than three weeks for which the only comparison sample was a 250-microL serum aliquot kept frozen in a laboratory. The analysis made it possible to identify a second victim as the daughter of the first.

Intimate Partner Violence: A Rare Case of Reciprocal Homicide

We present the case of a reciprocal homicide by stabbing that occurred within an unmarried couple without known history of spousal violence. Each partner killed the other one at the same time and at the same place using kitchen knives. They were both found dead at home lying on the floor after the neighbors heard an argument and screams coming from the couples apartment, so they called the police and the fire department. The door was locked from the inside, and the fire department was forced to break the door. Two kitchen knives supporting blood traces were found at the scene. At autopsy, both bodies showed multiple stab wounds, and the lethal ones were due to heart injuries. Defense injuries were also found in both bodies. To our knowledge, this is the first case of reciprocal homicide described in the literature. Other manners of death are discussed, including homicide by a third party, homicide-suicide, and suicide pact.