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Striated abrasions from a knife with non-serrated blade—identification of the instrument of crime on the basis of an experiment with material evidence
The study “Striated abrasions from a knife with non-serrated blade” explores a homicide case where knife seized is considered material evidence. In the case, a number of attackers assault a man who eventually dies from inflicted injuries (Kaliszan et al, 2011). A postmortem reveals that the cause of his death was massive hemorrhage arising from stab wounds sustained by the individual in the parts of abdomen and chest. He also succumbed to damage to internal organs specifically the heart, liver, aorta, and small intestines. The wounds, according to autopsy exam had been inflicted with force using sharp image (Kaliszan et al, 2011). Subsequent investigation established a knife was used to commit the crime. In addition, forensics tests established that the victim had striated scratches on the abdomen as well as in one of the wounds, suggesting that the knife used could have a serrated blade. However, because some wounds did not have striated scratches, this new revelation prompted doubts as to whether the knife was the only instrument used in the crime (Kaliszan et al, 2011). Further experiments were ordered to ascertain whether it was possible to inflict such as the ones found in the autopsy of the victim with knife made in the pond. The aim of the experiment was to establish if it was possible to produce characteristic linear abrasions on the skin similar to wounds found on the victim. As such, the purpose of the experiment is to look for characteristics of injuries that can be linked to instrument used to make the abrasions on the victim (Kaliszan et al, 2011). Sometimes, in order to delineate the marks left by an instrument, it becomes essential to perform an experiment using the instrument. However, determining differences between injuries of the bones or cartilages caused by serrated and non-serrated instruments is difficult than determining type of instrument used (Kaliszan et al, 2011). Findings of the study established that wound stab on the abdomen matched that of the knife seized in the pool. A comparison of the morphological feature of the stab shows similarity in shape and size with the instrument used. Using material evidence, the experiment established that wounds and injuries resulting from the autopsy emanated from action of the knife obtained in the pond (Kaliszan et al, 2011). The experiment demonstrated that striated marks on the victim at first glance could have originated from serrated knife, but actually originated from decorative serrations located discretely on the knife.
References
James, S. H., Nordby, J. J., & Bell, S. (Eds.). (2002). Forensic science: an introduction to scientific and investigative techniques. CRC press.
Kaliszan, M., Karnecki, K., Akçan, R., & Jankowski, Z. (2011). Striated abrasions from a knife with non-serrated blade—identification of the instrument of crime on the basis of an experiment with material evidence. International journal of legal medicine, 125(5), 745-748.
