An Unusual Homicide: A case of sharp force fatality by broken glass bottle

As sharp force injury accounts for 10–20% of clinical forensic examinations, forensic pathologists are often asked to investigate deceased victims of stab wounds. Moreover, homicides by sharp force (stabbing and incisions) generally involve domestic or interpersonal conflicts. Death due to stabbing is usually caused by exsanguinating incisions to organs or large blood vessels, leading to hemorrhagic shock. This paper aims to emphasize the importance of a thorough autopsy procedure which includes documentation of the type, pattern and dimensions of injuries, in these cases. In the present case, the dead body of a 40 years old unknown male was brought to the mortuary, with a history of homicidal stab over the neck by broken beer bottles. The fatal injuries were two stab injuries over the neck, but numerous incised wounds were also present, all injuries having atypical appearance and varied morphology. This case is discussed in light of the pattern of injuries caused by the broken glass bottle.