Mechanisms of Injury

1
Mechanisms of Injury

• Cutting injuries

2
Crime Scene Investigators must be able to
recognize the types of injuries commonly found on
assault and homicide victims.
3
Defensive Injuries

• Commonly found on arms and hands of the victim.
• These injuries are very common in knife attacks
  and are occasionally found in shootings.

4
People will instinctively put their arms and
hands up to protect the face during an assault.
5
This is why defensive injuries occur on the arms
and hands.
6
Edged Weapons

• Could be improvised (Broken bottle, sharp stick).
• Usually made of steel.
• Very effective at close range / easily concealed.

7
Stabbing

• Type of blade can make certain distinctive
  injuries.
• Double edge VS. Single edge.
• Curved blades.

8
Shanks

• Home made weapons.
• Commonly found in prisons.
• Made from readily available materials.

9
Stab wounds

• May penetrate the thoracic cavity and perforate
  organs and cause internal hemorrhaging.
• Slashing injuries do not penetrate as deeply but
  can cut major vessels.