The Potential of Histological Analysis in Dismemberment Cases

Abstract Dismemberment cases are complex to investigate. Current forensic methods recommended the analysis of cutaneous injuries patterns and examination of cut marks on bone to determine class characteristics of sharp instruments. The injury mechanism of sharp force trauma (especially in dismemberment cases) typically involves a strong exchange between the tissue and the causative agent, which potentially increases the quantity of residual particles that can be left. We are presenting 3 forensic cases to illustrate the potential of histological examination of bone and soft tissues around penetrating injuries (sharp force trauma). The histological analysis results presented here are based on the identification of exogenous particles and provided evidence of the offending implement but also on the environment where the victim was at in some point in time.