NCJ Number
191323
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 46 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 1132-1137
Date Published
September 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article reviewed deaths due to descent from height in New York City and examined scene and autopsy findings, psychiatric history, and toxicology results to determine if certain findings could aid in the investigation and the determination of the cause and manner of these deaths.
Abstract
Deaths from blunt injuries resulting from falls from height are common in New York City. These deaths have few autopsy findings that can differentiate accidental, homicidal, and suicidal manners. To properly certify the death, a complete autopsy with toxicologic studies, the circumstances, medical history, and a thorough scene investigation are necessary. The scene and autopsy findings, psychiatric history, and toxicology results of 120 deaths due to descent from height that underwent autopsy at the Manhattan Office of Chief Medical Examiner of New York City over a 2-year period (1997-1999) were reviewed to determine if certain findings could aid in the investigation and the determination of the cause and manner of these deaths. Results indicated there was no single scene, autopsy, psychiatric, or toxicologic finding that could consistently and reliably be used to determine the manner of these deaths. It described certain findings that when used in the context of a complete death investigation might help to further support or refute a particular manner of death. Tables and references