Publication details

Necessary Defense or Homicide? The Importance of Crime Scene Reconstruction in Crossbow Injuries

Authors

HANDLOS Petr JOUKAL Marek DOKOUPIL Marek UVIRA Matej MARECOVA Klara

Year of publication 2019
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Medicine

Citation
Web http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/PAF.0000000000000493
Doi http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/PAF.0000000000000493
Keywords forensic science; forensic pathology; crime scene reconstruction; crossbow; homicide; ballistic
Description Reconstruction of a criminal offense is a crucial approach in forensics and criminalistics allowing for the verification of the location, the particular method used, or the use of a specific instrument. This report describes the case of a young man who was killed by an arrow shot from a crossbow. The autopsy revealed a penetration of the head and significant damage to the brain stem. Although the cause of death was evident from the outset, it was necessary to clarify whether or not the arrow was shot as necessary self-defense. Ballistic investigation of the seized weapon and reconstruction of the crime was absolutely essential to bring forth conclusive evidence to convict the perpetrators of the murder.

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