Sharp force fatalities: Suicide, homicide or accident? A series of 21 cases

Cases at study comprise 21 sharp force fatalities (9 suicide- 7 m and 2 f; 8 homicide- 5 m and 3 f; 2 accidental deaths 1 m and 1 f; 2 uncertain cases- 2 m), examined from 1993 to 2002. Suicide age range was 17–75, mean 42.4; in seven cases the age was upper 40. Scene of death was at home in six cases, at open place in two, during hospitalization in one. Incised wounds were pre-eminent in suicides. Homicides showed multiple stab wounds. The two accidents were caused by “glassing”. Uncertain cases were a small stab wound to the chest and evisceration.