Page 133 - CFDI Guide

CASE STUDIES IN DEATH / SBI CRIMINAL DEFENSE INVESTIIGATIONS

The following case studies are provided to familiarize the CFDI with variations of events, circumstances,

scenes, and investigative findings in criminal defense investigations. The details of these case studies are
provided in the accompanying webinar and included reference presentations. First, a quick review of

common injuries in criminal defense cases, with short examples. We will then move on to specific cases in
more detail.

➢ Wound Significance

Injuries of themselves may not be the direct cause of death; however, a cluster of injuries – such as
multiple blunt force trauma in a motor vehicle collision – may collectively be the cause of death. As has

been previously described, injuries fall under different classifications and sub-classifications:
❖ First classified as either sharp force or blunt force injuries.

▪ Sharp force injuries include incisions (cuts) and punctures (stabbing).
▪ Blunt force injuries include lacerations (tear), abrasions (bruise) and avulsions (removed area).

▪ Other injuries, and thermal injuries (burns – including electrocution). These injuries may take the

form of pattern injuries – often distinctly caused by an instrument (i.e. cord, knife, baton, etc.) or
non-pattern injuries – often seen in circumstantial to the incident (abrasions are common non-
pattern injuries).

▪ Perforating injuries have an entry and exit
▪ Transecting injuries are typically an incision or laceration resulting in the through-and-through

separation of a limb, organ or other body part – as little as a transected nerve or artery.
▪ External and internal injuries – those which are on the surface or under the surface.

It is also important to determine healed injuries that may be the result of surgical intervention (see
Appendix) and medical intervention at the time of the injury. Both of these should be noted in the autopsy

report under scars, marks and tattoos, and signs of medical intervention. Determining the significance of
all wounds – instant (time of death or injury) and historical – to assess their role in the underlying cause of

death or contributing to the mechanism of death. As an example, a ligature mark may be indicative as a
implement causing of death or even restraint; or multiple facial abrasions may be consequential to the

motor vehicle collision, or a bar fight prior to operating the motor vehicle.

Injuries will also have physiological effects on other organs and tissues of the body. These effects will be
noted in the autopsy report, treating medical records and other documentation. As these are medical

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