NCJ Number
227699
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 54 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2009 Pages: 786-792
Date Published
July 2009
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Since many studies that have involved the characterization of chopping-weapon wounds have used either semi-fleshed or defleshed bone - which does not reflect the full range of actual cases of postmortem dismemberment or perimortem trauma - the current study used 11 fresh pig hind limbs, with contiguous surrounding flesh in characterizing wounds inflicted with 2 axes and 2 hatchets.
Abstract
The macroscopic analysis of axe and hatchet trauma found that chattering occurred approximately half the time in fleshed and defleshed bone. In addition, the use of flaking in order to determine angle of impact was found to be useful and consistent with the previous findings of Wenham, with the acute-angled side of the kerf exhibiting flaking and detachment of small fragments of bone. This finding was consistent in both fleshed and defleshed bone where the impact site was still evident. The study found the entry-site width to be variable, with some being smaller and others much larger than the 4-5 mm range obtained in previous research (Humphrey and Hutchinson). Since this variable not only depends on blade width, but also on the force used, it is not useful in forensic contexts due to the range of variability. This is also the case for the variability in the entry-site lengths. The range of 14-33 mm for entry-site lengths may only be useful to indicate the minimum length of the weapon's blade. When addressing the types of fractures observed, curve transverse and spiral fracture were predominant in fleshed and defleshed femora, and longitudinal fractures were extensive in the fleshed fibulae. 6 tables, 5 figures, and 22 references