ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 4

An Unusual Case of Suicide by Means of a Pneumatic Hammer
De Letter, EA
Ghent University,

Piette, MHA
Ghent University,

(Received 28 March 2000; accepted 8 September 2000)

Abstract

We describe an extraordinary case of a 49-year-old man who committed suicide by using a pneumatic hammer. As an industrial accident was initially assumed, difficulties in determining the manner of death are discussed. In addition, the ability to perform activity and evidence of a protracted agony in a situation of extensive cerebral destruction are considered. To our knowledge, no such case of suicide has ever been reported.

Keywords:
forensic science, forensic pathology, suicide, case report, pneumatic hammer, head injury, manner of death, ability to perform physical activity

Paper ID: JFS15078J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15078J
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