Sriwijaya Journal of Forensic and Medicolegal

Forensic Autopsy of Multiple Stab Wound

Satria Perwira, Prasilia Ramadhani, Edwin Tambunan, Ahmad Yudianto — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Stabbing is the predominant form of homicidal violence globally, resulting in both physical impairment and death. A stab wound is the result of a forceful push from a sharp or blunt pointed object, resulting in a wound that is deeper than it is length.

Case presentation: We present a case of a man who was found dead after being stabbed with a sharp weapon by his partner in a public area, with an open wound on the left chest. A forensic expert identified the body at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia. On external examination, we found 23 open wounds on several anatomical regions. Vital injuries include an open wound on the right side of the neck and the back of both sides of the chest. In an internal examination, we found both lungs looked shrunken, and blood was found in the right and left chest cavities. The stab wound to the right back penetrated the right lower lung and right liver lobe. The stab wound to the left back penetrated the lower left lung.

Conclusion: A complete autopsy is vital to determine the cause, mechanism, and manner of death and to reconstruct the events before death.

Analysis of Ethics and Law in Handling Cases of Maternal and Newborn Mortality in Indonesia

Agustina Agustina, Jalaludin Harun — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Maternal and newborn mortality (MBR) is a serious public health problem in Indonesia. Maternal and newborn mortality rates are still high, although they have shown a downward trend in recent years. The factors contributing to MBR are complex and multidimensional, including social, economic, cultural, and legal factors. This research aims to analyze ethics and law in handling cases of maternal and newborn mortality in Indonesia.

Methods: This research uses a qualitative method with a descriptive-analytical approach. Data was collected through literature studies, interviews with 15 key informants, and analysis of policy documents.

Results: The research results show that there are several ethical and legal dilemmas in handling cases of maternal and newborn mortality in Indonesia. These ethical dilemmas include informed consent, confidentiality, and end-of-life care. Legal dilemmas relate to patient rights, professional responsibilities, and death investigations.

Conclusion: Ethical and legal analysis in handling cases of maternal and newborn mortality in Indonesia is very important to ensure that patients receive quality and dignified care. Increasing health workers' knowledge and understanding of ethical and legal aspects can help reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates in Indonesia.

Mitochondrial DNA Analysis of Teeth for Identification of Natural Disaster Victims in Manila, Philippines

Maria Victoria — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes often cause significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure. Identification of victims of natural disasters is an important aspect in the recovery process and forensic investigation. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been proven to be an effective tool for individual identification due to its stable and maternally inherited nature. Teeth are an ideal source of DNA material for mtDNA analysis because they are durable against environmental degradation. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mtDNA analysis of teeth for identifying victims of natural disasters in Manila, Philippines.

Methods: Dental samples were collected from identified natural disaster victims and their family members. Mitochondrial DNA was extracted from teeth and analyzed using PCR and DNA sequencing techniques. The results of the mtDNA analysis were compared with mtDNA data obtained from family members to confirm the victim's identity.

Results: Analysis of mtDNA on teeth succeeded in identifying all victims of natural disasters identified in this study. The mtDNA analysis results were consistent with mtDNA data obtained from family members, indicating the effectiveness of this method for individual identification.

Conclusion: Analysis of mtDNA in teeth is a valuable tool for the identification of victims of natural disasters. This method can help in the recovery process and forensic investigations after natural disasters.

The Role of Enzymatic Molecular Autopsy for Law Enforcement in Cyanide Poisoning Cases in Rabat, Morocco

Karima Meryem, Mustafa Yussef — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Cyanide poisoning is a serious public health problem throughout the world, including in Morocco. Enzymatic molecular autopsy offers a powerful method for detecting and quantifying cyanide levels in body tissue, which can assist law enforcement in poisoning cases.

Methods: This observational study was conducted on 112 research subjects who died from cyanide poisoning in Rabat, Morocco. An enzymatic molecular autopsy was performed to measure cyanide levels in the blood, liver, and brain. Data were analyzed to determine the relationship between cyanide levels and demographic, clinical, and toxicological factors.

Results: The highest levels of cyanide are found in the blood, followed by the liver and brain. There is a significant relationship between cyanide levels and causes of death, with cyanide levels highest in suicides and homicides.

Conclusion: Enzymatic molecular autopsy should be considered as a routine method in the investigation of cyanide poisoning cases. This can help law enforcement to achieve justice for victims and their families.

Morphometric Analysis of Hip Bones for Gender Identification in Unexpected Death Cases in Kabul, Afghanistan

Bashir Wafaa Ahmad — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Unexpected deaths in Kabul Afghanistan often involve victims who cannot be identified due to facial disfigurement or missing identity documents. Gender identification is an important step in the forensic identification process, especially in cultural and religious contexts that have strict norms regarding gender. Pelvic bone morphometric analysis offers an accurate and non-invasive method for gender identification. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of hip bone morphometric analysis in identifying gender in cases of unexpected death in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Methods: The samples consisted of 100 human pelvises, 50 of each gender, collected from skeletal remains at Kabul hospitals and burial grounds. Pelvic dimensions were measured using calibration techniques and statistical analysis was performed to identify significant morphometric differences between the gender.

Results: Morphometric analysis showed significant differences in several pelvic dimensions between men and women. The most informative dimensions for gender identification are pelvic width, pelvic height, and superior diameter of the acetabulum. The prediction model developed using these dimensions achieved a gender identification accuracy of 94%.

Conclusion: Pelvic bone morphometric analysis can be a valuable tool for forensic identification in cases of unexpected deaths in Kabul Afghanistan. This method offers high accuracy, is non-invasive and easy to apply, and can help in the process of identifying victims and resolving legal cases.