Atropine Eye Drops: An Unusual Homicidal Poisoning

• NCJ Number: 246881
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 59 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2014 Pages: 859-864
• Author(s): Jeremy Carlier M.Sc.; Emmanuel Escard M.D.; Michel Peoc'h Ph.D.; Baptiste Boyer M.D.; Ludovic Romeuf M.Sc.; Thierry Faict; Jerome Guitton Ph.D.; Yvan Gaillard Ph.D.
• Date Published: May 2014
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

In March 2009, the body of a 51-year-old man was found in the boot of his car.

Abstract

In March 2009, the body of a 51-year-old man was found in the boot of his car. The body had been frozen before being dismembered at the abdomen. The autopsy failed to determine the cause of death. Systematic toxicological analyses of the victim's peripheral blood and urine showed the presence of atropine, a powerful anticholinergic. Atropine was therefore specifically detected and quantified throughout the victim's biologic samples by HPLC-MS² in the biologic fluids and UHPLC-MS² in the hair. The atropine concentrations were 887 ng/mL in the cardiac blood, 489 ng/mL in the peripheral blood, 6693 ng/mL in the gastric contents 1.1 ìg, 6753 ng/mL in the urine, and 2290 pg/mg in the hair. The blood concentrations measured in the decedent were consistent with an overdose of atropine, which was determined as the cause of death. The manner of death was a homicide with criminal intent. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.