Autopsy

[Charlotte Williamson]

Can anyone out there give me the details of what an autosy would say in re to a sabbing victim around forty years ago. I know it would be totally different than one that would take place today.

[Janet McClellan]

HI. The answer is yes and no regarding the differences. What is different today is the possibility of some forensic examinations that might take place... however; possibilities are not necessarily the same thing as "will be done". Best book in the world on autopsy issues is Sptiz and Fisher's Medicolegal Investigation of Death there is a new 4th edition so a 3rd edition cheaper might be available. The Sptiz and Fisher book Chapter 11 is Sharp Force Injuries with a discussion and explanation of how injuries are made, difference between sharp and blunt force, lots of B&W pics to help, detecting suicide vs. homicide and other very usefully stuff. I used to teach from the text… a need to have on a cop’s shelf.
Go to this www address…. http://www.mtdaily.com/mt1/autopsy.txt
What you will find in a standard internal and external examination of the body recounting appearance, features, and wounds. No fancy stuff … not even any x-rays (probably should have been done)… pretty standard fare… note the example is about wounds caused by “sharp force instrument (like knives)… hope it helps.

[Charlotte Williamson]

Thanks, Bridget
Charlotte Williamson

[Janet McClellan]

yes both very nice texts ... should be on every library shelf

[Charlotte Williamson]

Janet, I appreciate your help on the autopsy discussion. I HAVE to get those books. Now I can quit threatening the Virginia State Medical Examiner's Office. They won't let go of the autosy without the next of kin's permission, so I have to make up my own autopsy.

[Charlotte Williamson]

thanks to Bridge H and Janet Mcclellan for the info on autopsies that I asked about. This is Great!