Journal Published Online: 01 April 1978
Volume 23, Issue 2

Can Sudden Cardiac Death be Murder?

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

A problem faced by police, medical examiners, and prosecutors is the course of action to be pursued when a criminal act results in emotionally precipitated death in the absence of physical injury or contact. The determination of proximate causation may be difficult if there is no autopsy evidence of life-threatening physical trauma nor any historical evidence of physical contact between the victim and the assailant. The usual circumstance is a robbery or burglary during which, or shortly after, a victim collapses. The victim is usually found to be suffering from severe coronary atherosclerosis and its complications.

Author Information

Davis, JH
University of Miami School of Medicine, Coral Gables, Fla.
Pages: 4
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JFS10773J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10773J