Forensic Autopsies and related terminology (Eng-Span-Eng).
An autopsy, also called a post-mortem examination, is a detailed and careful medical examination of a person's body and its organs after death to help establish the cause and manner of death. A physician, called a pathologist, who specializes in the study of human diseases, performs the autopsy. Surgical techniques are used to remove and examine each organ, and some tissue samples are selected for microscopic examination or other special tests as required. A forensic autopsy is used to determine the cause and manner of death. Cause of death is the way in which someone died (or what caused his or her death). A few common examples are gunshot wound, stabbing, asphyxiation, etc. Manner of death is classified as one of five types:
Natural – Muerte Natural Accident – Muerte por Accidente Homicide – Muerte por Homicidio Suicide – Muerte por Suicidio Undetermined – Causa de muerte Indeterminada
************************************************************************ Autopsy – Autopsia, necropsia, necroscopía, tanatopsia, examen post-mortem. La autopsia es el examen del cadáver antes de enterrarlo y la necropsia es el examen del cadáver que ya ha sido enterrado. Pathologist – Patólogo. Forensic Pathologist / Doctor – Patólogo / Médico Forense. Medical Examiner – Médico Examinador, Médico Legista, Médico Legal. Coroner – Funcionario a cargo, Médico Forense, Médico Legista. The coroner may or may not be trained in the medical sciences. The coroner may employ physicians, pathologists, or forensic pathologists to perform autopsies. The coroner is not required to be a physician. – Cause of death – Causa de la muerte Manner of death – Forma / Manera de la muerte; Manera en que ocurrió la muerte
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
Steps of an autopsy1
1. The pathologist records the results of the external examination and lists all physical characteristics. The body must be measured and weighed and placed on an autopsy table. An autopsy table is waist-high stainless steel with running water to facilitate washing away all the blood that is released during the procedure.
************************************************************************ The patholigist records – El patólogo anota detalladamente, describe. External examination – Examen externo. Body must be measured –se debe medir el cadáver. Body must be weighed – se debe pesar el cadáver. Autopsy table – mesa de autopsia, plancha.
2. The first cut known as the 'Y' incision is made. The arms of the Y extend from the front of each shoulder to the bottom end of the breastbone. The tail of the Y extends from the sternum to the pubic bone and typically deviates to avoid the navel. The incision is very deep, extending to the rib cage on the chest, and completely through the abdominal wall below that. The skin from this cut is peeled back, with the top flap pulled over the face.
1
Australian Museum online. http://www.deathonline.net/what_happens/autopsy/autopsy_steps.cfm Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
************************************************************************ Y incision – Incisión en forma de Y (ye / i griega) Breastbone – Esternón Sternum – Esternón Pubic bone – Hueso púbico Navel – Ombligo Rib cage – Caja torácica Abdominal wall – Pared abdominal Peeled back – se desprende (la piel) Top flap – parte superior del colgajo de piel
3. The ribs are then sawn off and the sternal plate or anterior chest wall is cut away, to expose the organs underneath. The most common way to remove the organs is known as the Rokitansky method. Organs are removed by cutting off their connections to the body and are usually removed as one.
************************************************************************ Ribs – Costillas Sawn off – (las costillas) se cortan con un serrucho Sternal plate – Placa torácica Anterior chest wall – Pared torácica anterior
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
4. The brain is removed using a transverse incision (in a crosswise direction) through the brainstem, cutting the connection from the base of the brain to the spinal cord. The brain is then either cut fresh or is placed in a 20% solution of formalin to fix it for future analysis.
Brain – Cerebro Transverse incision – Incisión transversal Brainstem – Tronco cerebral Spinal cord – Médula espinal 5. All removed organs are weighed and studied individually. Most organs are cut up in sections by a scalpel.
6. Intestines are drained in a sink to remove undigested food and faeces that remains. 7. The stomach is cut open on its greater curvature and the contents are examined. 8. Microscopic samples of most organs are taken for further analysis. 9. Finally, all major blood vessels are cut open and examined lengthwise.
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
10. The organs are placed back in the body, and the body will sometimes be filled with a filler material. The head and body are then sewn up. The brain is returned to the body, except in the cases where the brain has been retained for further tests.
11. Once the Y incision is sewn up, the autopsy (without brain and tissue analysis) is complete. ************************************************************************ Scalpel – Escalpelo (cuchillo afilado) Intestines – Intestinos Undigested food – Alimentos sin digerir Faeces – Materia fecal Microscopic samples – Muestras microscópicas Further analysis – Análisis más detallado Blood vessels – Vasos sanguíneos
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
New York City Autopsy Report POST-MORTEM EXAMINATION REPORT AUTOPSY NO: 536-198 DEATH D/T: between 12/24/98 @2000 12/25/98 @ 0100 AUTOPSY D/T: 12/26/98 @ 0930 DATE RECEIVED: December 24, 1998 @0150 hours NAME: John Doe AGE: ? SEX: M HEIGHT: 6'1" WEIGHT: 214 lbs Police Case #: 283098 External Examination: The body is that of an under developed, under nourished middle aged African American male. Rigor mortis is present and equal in all joints. Fixed lividity is evident on the anterior and right side of the body. The chest is symmetrical and the abdomen is flat. There is a tattoo of an eagle on the lower back. The external genitalia are unremarkable. The upper and lower extremities show no deformities. The hands and nails are dirty and unkept. The body was clothed upon arrival. The hair is dark brown. The irises are brown. The left eyeball has been displaced. The nose and ears are severely injured. The teeth are natural and several were dislodged, apparently by blows of extreme force. Evidence of Injury: Multiple occurrences of blunt force trauma to the head resulting in extensive craniocerebral injuries. The initial blow was administered to the left side of the head at the temple, apparently when the victim turned to face his attacker. Ensuing blows were delivered in quick succession to the front and sides of the head. It cannot be determined which was the fatal blow, though several of the estimated seven strikes were potentially lethal. There are oblique and transverse fractures with varying displacements of the distal, middle and proximal phalanges on the left hand. The right ulna has a night stick fracture with 60% displacement. The injuries can be categorized as defense wounds.
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
The nose is broken and the left cheekbone is fractured. Several teeth are dislodged. The left eyeball is displaced. There are multiple lacerations inside the mouth. These injuries can be attributed to multiple severe blows to the skull with a blunt object. The blunt object used to deliver the blows is approximately 6 cm in diameter with rounded edges and a smooth face. Toxicologic Studies: Blood Ethanol: .03 Urine Drugs: Crystal Methamphetamine Clinicopathologic Correlation: None. Opinion: In my opinion, the death of this forty-one year old white male is attributed to multiple blows to the head with a blunt object, resulting in bleeding into the brain, severe brain injury and significant blood loss. The manner of death was homicide. M.D. *********************************************************** Autopsy Report – Dictamen o Informe de Autopsia Death D/T – Fecha / Hora en que ocurrió la muerte @2000, @0100 – a las 20:00 veinte horas, a la 01:00 una horas Height – Estatura Weight – Peso Under developed – Sin el desarrollo adecuado, poco desarrollado Under nourished – Con signos de desnutrición, desnutrido Middle aged – De edad madura Male – Sexo masculino Rigor mortis – Rigor mortis, rigidez muscular, rigidez cadavérica Joints – Articulaciones Lividity – Lividez (zonas de coloración rosada o azulada) Anterior side –Cara / parte anterior Abdomen is flat – Abdomen plano Tattoo – Tatuaje Lower back – Región lumbar Genitalia – Genitales Unremarkable – Normal, sin signos distintivos Upper and lower extremities – Extremidades superiores e inferiores Deformities – Deformidades Unkept – Descuidado(a) Clothed – Vestido Irises – Iris
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
Eyeball – Globo del ojo; globo ocular Displaced – Fuera de su lugar, Dislocado Severely injured – Seriamente lesionado Dislodged (teeth) – Arrancados, extraídos Blows of extreme force – Golpes con / mediante el empleo de fuerza extrema Evidence of injury – Evidencia de la lesión Multiple occurrences of blunt force trauma – Incidentes múltiples de traumatismo contuso Extensive craniocerebral injuries – Lesiones cráneocerebrales extensas Temple – Región temporal Fatal – Mortal Lethal – Mortal Oblique and transverse fractures – Fracturas oblicuas y transversales Displacement of the distal, middle and proximal phalanges – Dislocación de los falanges distal, medio y proximal. Ulna – Cúbito Night stick fracture (to forearm used to block blow) – Fractura por traumatismo; Fractura causada por defenderse de un golpe con macána / garrote Defense wounds – Lesiones en defensa Cheekbone - Pómulo Lacerations - Laceraciones Skull - Cráneo Blunt object – Agente contundente Opinion – Conclusión, diagnóstico, Opinión.
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
STATE OF GEORGIA GEORGIA BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION DIVISION OF FORENSIC SCIENCES RECORD OF MEDICAL EXAMINER CASE NO.: B91-2127 NAME OF DECEASED: RESIDENCE OF DECEASED: Eatonton, GA AGE/D.O.B.: 5-12-51 SEX: Female RACE: White HEIGHT: 65” WEIGHT: 100 lbs. MANNER OF DEATH: Homicide CAUSE OF DEATH: Gunshot Wound, Head NOTIFIED BY: DATE: 5-4-91 HOUR: 2043 BODY IDENTIFIED BY: Son AUTOPSY AUTHORIZED BY: Coroner CORONER NOTIFIED: Yes PRESENT AT AUTOPSY: INVESTIGATING OFFICERS: SUSPECT: NAME OF MORGUE: BODY REMOVED FROM: Scene SIGNED: MEDICAL EXAMINER
Oficina de Investigaciones de GA Unidad de Ciencias Forénses Informe del Médico Examinador Caso No. Nombre del occiso, fallecido Domicilio del occiso, fallecido Edad Sexo: Femenino Raza, grupo étnico: Blanca Estatura Peso Forma/Manera de la muerte Causa de la muerte Informado por Veinte horas cuarenta y tres minutos Identificado por Autopsia autorizada por Se informó al funcionario a cargo Presente en la autopsia Agentes investigadores Sospechoso Nombre de la morgue Cuerpo recuperado en: lugar Firmado por: Médico Examinador
DATE AND TIME OF EXAMINATION: Under the provisions of the Georgia Death Investigation Act, an autopsy was performed in the Atlanta Division of Forensic Sciences Morgue on Sunday, May 5, 1991, commencing at 9:40 AM. X-RAY EXAMINATION: X-rays of the head demonstrate apparent large caliber missile fragments in the central head region with other fragments in the forehead region and smaller fragments dispersed through the midcranial region. POSTMORTEM CHANGES: Rigor mortis is generalized and well developed. Lividity is dorsal, the usual color, and blanches with firm pressure. The eyes show no clouding. Other decompositional changes are absent. FEATURES OF IDENTIFICATION: This is the unembalmed body of a white female which weighs approximately 100 lbs. and measures 65 inches in height. The head hair is brown, wavy, and long, measuring approximately 18 inches in greatest length. The irides are greenish-gray. The teeth are natural. Three fingernails on the left hand are false and painted with an opalescent
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
lavender polish and a fourth similar fingernail is on the right little finger. Other distinctive markings are absent on external examination. EXTERNAL EXAMINATION OF THE BODY: There is dried blood over the face which has emanated from the nasal cavity. A gunshot wound is present on the central portion of the forehead just to the right of the midline which will be described in further detail below. On the right side of the forehead, above the eyebrow, there is a contusion measuring approximately 2 inches in length. In the upper portion of this contusion there is a circular superficial laceration. The left eye is artificial and consists of an eyecap. The right eye contains a soft contact lens. The nasal bones and facial bones are intact. The neck shows a rectangular abrasion just underneath the chin measuring approximately 1/4 inches. The torso shows the presence of an indistinct, greenish-colored ecchymosis over the anterior aspect of the right shoulder. Otherwise, the torso is free of acute injury or other abnormality both anteriorly and posteriorly. The right upper extremity shows several small circular contusions over the dorsum of the hand and forearm. The external genitalia are those of a normal adult female. There are no foreign objects in the vagina. In summary, this is the well developed body of a white female consistent with the stated age. There is evidence of blunt force injury to the forehead, back of the head, and the upper extremities with abrasion and contusion in the shoulder region and an apparent gunshot wound to the forehead. INTERNAL EXAMINATION OF THE BODY: Head: The skin of the scalp is reflected in the usual manner. A 3 inch circular area of full thickness scalp hemorrhage is present around a gunshot entry wound in the forehead region. In addition, there is an individual 3 inch circular full thickness scalp hematoma over the vertex and also a full thickness hemorrhage around the laceration over the external occipital protruberance. The brain weighs 1250 grams. There is a perforating track through the brain which will be described below. Otherwise, the brain shows no underlying abnormalities. Summary of Gunshot Wound: On the right upper forehead, 1/2 inch to the right of the anterior midline, there is a gunshot entry wound. This wound consists of a 5/16 inch circular hole with circumferential abrasion and slight marginal radial laceration. There is no gunshot residue on the forehead, there is no charring of the wound. There is no gunshot residue in the depths of the wound track. The missile has proceeded through the soft tissues of the scalp to cause a 3/8 inch circular entry hole in the frontal bone which expands inwardly in a conical fashion. Several pieces of small curvilinear lead fragments are retrieved from this area. The missile has proceeded through the right frontal pole of the brain in a downward and rearward direction. The missile then impacts with the occipital bone. In this area, a large caliber, mushroom-shaped, nonjacketed missile is retrieved and forwarded to the ballistics
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
section. THIS IS A DISTANT GUNSHOT WOUND. The overall direction of this wound is front to back and downward with a slight right to left deviation. Chest and Abdomen: The skin of the chest and abdomen is opened with the usual Y-shaped incision. There is NO EVIDENCE OF SOFT TISSUE TRAUMA TO THE CHEST OR ABDOMEN. The uterus is surgically absent but the fallopian tubes and ovaries remain. The urinary bladder contains amber-colored urine. The thoracic and abdominal organs are examined in situ, then removed by the Virchow technique for serial examination. Significant findings on internal examination include the following: The heart weighs 260 grams and is morphologically normal. The lungs have a combined weight of 650 grams. No foreign bodies are present in the airways. The lungs show bilateral mild aspiration of blood and no focal underlying lesions. The pancreas shows the usual lobular architecture and is free of gross acute or chronic change. The lower gastrointestinal tract is normal to inspection and palpation. The kidneys are of normal size and essentially symmetrical. The stomach contains approximately 1 cup of partially digested food which consists of vegetable material including apparent corn. The liver weighs 1220 grams. No hepatic injuries are identified. The gallbladder contains a small amount of yellowish bile and no stones. Neck: The skin of the neck is dissected up to the angle of the jaw. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF SOFT TISSUE TRAUMA TO THE MAJOR AIRWAYS OR VITAL SURROUNDING STRUCTURES OF THE LATERAL NECK COMPARTMENTS. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: 1. Distant-type gunshot wound to forehead with perforating brain injury and recovery of missile. Herida a distancia por proyectil de arma de fuego sobre la frente con perforación cerebral y el misil fue recuperado. 2. Blunt force injuries to forehead and occipital region. Heridas por agente contundente en la frente y región occipital. 3. Bruises to upper extremities. Contusiones / hematomas / equimosis en las extremidades superiores. 4. Surgically absent uterus. Ausencia del útero por intervención quirúrgica. CAUSE OF DEATH: Gunshot wound to the head. – Herida por arma de fuego en la cabeza. OTHER SIGNIFICANT CONDITIONS: Blunt force injury to head. – Herida contundente en la cabeza. MANNER OF DEATH: Homicide. – Homicidio.
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
X-rays – Rayos X Large caliber missile fragments – Fragmentos de misil de alto calibre Central head region – Región central de la cabeza Forehead region – Región frontal Midcranial region – Zona media del cráneo Clouding (in the eyes) – Nubosidad Decompositional changes – Cambios por descomposición Unembalmed body – Cadáver sin embalsamar Gunshot wound – Hérida por arma de fuego Contusion - Contusión Eyecap – Prótesis, ojo artificial Indistinct – Indistinto, indefinido Ecchymosis – Equimosis (moretón, acumulación de sangre bajo la piel) Acute injury – Lesión grave Scalp – Cuero cabelludo Well developed body of a white female – Cadáver de una mujer blanca bien desarrollada Internal Examination – Examen interno Gunshot entry wound – Herida de entrada de bala Blunt force injury – Herida por agente contundente Hematoma – Hematoma Vertex – Vértex Occipital protruberance – Protuberancia occipital Perforating track – trayectoria de perforación Right upper forehead – Parte superior derecha de la frente Circumferential abrasion – Abrasión / excoriación en circunferencia Slight marginal radial laceration – Laceración radial marginal leve Gunshot residue – Resíduos de bala Charring – Carbonización Wound track - Trayectoria de la herida The missile has proceeded through – El misil se trasladó a través de Soft tissues – Tejidos blandos Entry hole – Orificio de entrada Expands inwardly – Se expande internamente In a conical fashion – En forma de cono Lead fragments – Fragmentos de plomo Right frontal pole of the brain – Polo frontal derecho del cerebro In a downward and rearward direction – En dirección hacia abajo y hacia atrás Large caliber – Alto calibre Mushroom-shaped – En forma de hongo Nonjacketed missile – misil / bala sin casquillo Ballistics section – Unidad de balística Distant gunshot wound – Herida por disparo a distancia The overall direction of this wound is front to back and downward with a slight right to left deviation – En general esta herida tiene una trayectoria de enfrente hacia atrás y hacia abajo con una desviación leve de derecha a izquierda.
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
Uterus - Utero Surgically absent uterus – Ausencia del útero por intervención quirúrgica Fallopian tubes – Trompas de falopio Urinary bladder - Vejiga In situ – In situ / en su lugar Morphologically normal – Morfológicamente normal Lungs – Pulmones Foreign bodies – Cuerpos extraños Lower gastrointestinal tract – Intestino delgado Palpation – Tacto Kidneys - Riñones Partially digested food – Alimentos parcialmente digeridos Liver – Hígado Hepatic injuries – Lesiones hépaticas Gallbladder – Vesícula Stones – Piedras / cálculos Dissected (the skin) – La piel se diseca / corta Jaw – Mandíbula
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
AUTOPSY REPORT
94-05135
I performed an autopsy on the body of G.R. at the DEPARTMENT OF CORONER Los Angeles, California on June 14, 2004 @1030 HOURS From the anatomic findings and pertinent history, I ascribe the death to: MULTIPLE SHARP FORCE INJURIES Due To or As a Consequence of: 1. Sharp force wound of neck, left side, with transection of left internal jugular vein. 2. Multiple stab wounds of chest, abdomen, and left thigh: Penetrating stab wounds of chest and abdomen. 3. Multiple incised wounds of scalp, face, neck, chest and left hand (defense wounds). 4. Multiple abrasions on upper extremities and hands (defense wounds). EXTERNAL EXAMINATION: The body is that of a well developed, well nourished Caucasian male stated to be 25 years old. Rigor mortis is fixed. There is extensive evidence of external traumatic injury, to be described below. The neck shows sharp force injuries to be described below. The front of the chest and abdomen likewise show injuries to be described below. EVIDENCE OF INJURY: - Sharp force injury of neck, left side, transecting left internal jugular vein. This sharp force injury is complex, and appears to be a combination of a stabbing and cutting wound. The wound path is through the skin, the subcutaneous tissue, and the sternocleidomastoid muscle with hemorrhage along the wound path and transection of the left internal jugular vein. Opinion: This sharp force injury of the neck is fatal, associated with transection of the left internal jugular vein. - Stab wound of right side of chest. It is vertically oriented and measures 5/8 inch in length. The pathway is through the skin, the subcutaneous tissue, and through the right 7th rib. Thereafter, it enters the right pleural cavity. Opinion: This is a fatal wound associated with perforation of the right lung and a hemothorax. - Stab wound of left side of abdomen. This is a transversely oriented stab wound on the left side of the abdomen. The path is from left to right and slightly back to front; the wound path terminates in the abdominal aorta. Opinion: This is a fatal stab wound associated with perforation of the abdominal aorta. Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
- Stab wound of left thigh. This is a transversely oriented stab wound on the lateral left thigh. The wound path is through the skin, the subcutaneous tissue, and the muscle without striking bone. Opinion: This is a stab wound of the soft tissue and muscle of the left thigh, nonfatal. - Stab wound, involving the right earlobe. The wound path is from right to left. The wound path terminates in the left temporal bone and does not penetrate the cranial cavity. - Superficial incised or cutting wounds on the right side of the face, involving the right cheek and the right side of the jaw. Opinion: These are nonfatal stab wounds. - The scalp is shaved postmortem for visualization. On the right posterior parietal region of the scalp there is a sharp force wound, diagonally oriented. There is no underlying fracture of the skull or penetration of the cranium. Opinion: This is a sharp force wound that may represent cutting wound or a superficial stab wound; nonfatal. either a
- On the palmar surface of the right hand, at the base of the index finger, there is a cutting or incised wound. Opinion: This is compatible with a defense wound. - On the palmar surface of the right hand, just proximal to the web of the thumb. Opinion: This is compatible with a defense wound. - On the lateral or outer aspect of the left forearm there are multiple abrasions both linear and one that is approximately triangular; they are all brown to red-brown in color and antemortem. - On the dorsal surface of the right hand there are fresh bruises and fresh red-brown abrasions. On the proximal knuckle of the right middle finger a bruise with no overlying abrasion. - On the dorsal side of the left hand there are multiple red-brown abrasions irregular in configuration, involving the 3 knuckles of the left index finger. INTERNAL EXAMINATION: Aside from the stab wounds of the chest and abdomen, there are no other internal traumatic injuries. OPINION: The decedent sustained multiple sharp force injuries, including multiple stab wounds involving the chest and abdomen; multiple incisedstab wounds of the neck; and multiple incised or cutting wounds. Fatal wounds were identified involving the neck where there was transection Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
of the left internal jugular vein and stab wounds of the chest and abdomen causing intrathoracic and intraabdominal hemorrhage. The cutting wounds of the left and right hands are compatible with defensive wounds. In addition there were a number of blunt force injuries to the upper extremities and hands, likewise compatible with defensive wounds. The remainder of the autopsy revealed a normal, healthy adult male with no congenital anomalies. Routine toxicologic studies were ordered. M.D. DEPUTY MEDICAL EXAMINER
************************************************************************ Anatomic findings – Observaciones anatómicas I ascribe the death to – Atribuyo la muerte a (heridas múltiples …) Multiple sharp force injuries – Lesiones múltiples por agente punzocortante / arma blanca Sharp force wound – Herida por agente punzocortante Transection of left internal jugular vein – Transección de la vena yugular interna izquierda Multiple stab wounds – Heridas múltiples por agente punzante o punzocortante Defense wounds – Heridas en defensa; lesiones por oponer defensa Penetrating stab wounds – Heridas punzantes penetrantes Hemothorax and hemoperitoneum – Hemotórax y hemoperitoneo Multiple incised wounds – Heridas incisas múltiples Multiple abrasions – Escoriaciones / abrasiones múltiples Well nourished – En buen estado de nutrición Caucasian – Caucásico Extensive evidence – Rastros extensos External traumatic injury – Lesión traumática externa Sharp force injury of neck – Lesión del cuello por agente punzocortante Combination of a stabbing and cutting wound – Combinación de una herida punzante y cortante The wound path – El trayecto de la herida Subcutaneous tissue – Tejido subcutáneo Sternocleidomastoid muscle – Músculo esternocleidomastoideo Associated with – Asociado con Stab wound of right side of chest – Herida punzante del lado derecho del tórax Vertically oriented – Orientado verticalmente Pleural cavity – Cavidad pleural Without striking bone – Sin golpear el hueso Earlobe – Lóbulo de la oreja Temporal bone – Hueso temporal Cranial cavity – Cavidad craneana Superficial incised or cutting wounds – Heridas incisas o cortantes superficiales The scalp is shaved – El cuero cabelludo es afeitado / rasurado Right posterior parietal region – Región parietal posterior derecha Underlying fracture – Fractura subyacente
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
Palmar surface of the right hand – Palma de la mano derecha Index finger – Dedo Indice Web of the thumb – Tejido que une el pulgar y el índice Lateral or outer aspect of the left forearm – Aspecto lateral o externo del antebrazo izquierdo Antemortem – Previo a la muerte; ante mortem Knuckle – Nudillo Middle finger – Dedo medio Overlying abrasion – Abrasión / excoriación superyacente, encimada The decedent sustained multiple sharp force injuries – El occiso sufrió lesiones múltiples por agente punzocortante Multiple incised-stab wounds – Heridas mútiples punzocortantes Cutting wounds – Heridas cortantes Intrathoracic and intraabdominal hemorrhage – Hemorragia intratorácica e intraabdominal Healthy adult male – Hombre adulto / maduro en buen estado de salud Routine toxicologic studies – Estudios toxicológicos de rutina
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
Decedent – Occiso, fallecido, difunto. Multiple gunshot wounds – Heridas múltiples por proyectil de arma de fuego Pathologic diagnoses – Diagnóstico Patológico Gunshot wound – Herida por proyectil de arma de fuego / herida de bala Organ donation – Donación de órganos Well-developed – Bien desarrollado Well-nourished – Buen estado de nutrición Whose appearance is consistent with – cuya apariencia corresponde a Goatee – Barba de candado In good repair (teeth) – En buen estado Livor mortis – Lividez cadavérica Rigor mortis – Rigidez cadavérica / muscular / rigor mortis Unremarkable – normal / sin señas notables Uncircumcised – sin circunsición Absence of the heart – Ausencia del corazón Gunshot entrance wound – Orificio de entrada de la herida de bala Bullet – Proyectil, bala, misil. Perforated the skull with a “keyhole” type perforation – Perforó el cráneo dejando un orificio tipo cerradura No fouling or stippling – no presenta impurezas o marcas Laceration – Laceración (abertura en la piel) Abrasions – Abrasiones, excoriaciones / escoriaciones Course of the bullet – La trayectoria del proyectil / bala; recorrido de la bala. Gunshot exit wound – Orificio de salida del proyectil / bala. Contusion – Contusión (golpe que no causa herida) Path of this bullet – Trayectoria de esta bala / proyectil / misil Lateral aspect of the left thigh – Aspecto lateral del muslo izquierdo Anterior aspect of the left thigh – Aspecto anterior del muslo izquierdo Deviation – Desviación Anterior/medial aspect – Aspecto anterior / medial Skeletal muscle – Músculo esquelético Bony structures – Estructura ósea The fragments are collected and retained for evidence – Los fragmentos son recolectados y preservados como evidencia Cerebral hemispheres – Hemisferios cerebrales Ballistics was obtained – La bala fue recuperado.
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
Informe de Autopsia 18 de Abril del 2003 Servicio Médico Legal
Enviado: 18-04-2003 13:00
Mediante el presente informe cumplimos con lo ordenado por el Señor Fiscal en Turno: Apariencia física del sujeto. Estatura:1.62 metros. Peso: 70 Kg. Edad:48 años aprox. Contextura: media-gruesa. Color de piel: moreno. Color de Pelo: negro. Orina: Normal Rastros de consumo de marihuana y derivado de cocaína. Examen de los órganos y estado de descomposición: En general, todos los órganos del cuerpo se encuentran en estado de descomposición natural. Por el color del estómago, puede conjeturarse que la data de muerte fue al menos dos días antes del hallazgo del cadáver. Se observan hematomas anormales en brazos y piernas, posiblemente producto de contusiones previas al deceso. Conclusión: El cadáver tenía al menos dos días de descomposición desde el deceso, habían rastros de consumo de alcohol reciente en la sangre, y rastros de consumo de de marihuana y cocaína en el análisis del pelo, que puede ser de una data de hasta seis meses antes del deceso. Presenta contusiones anormales en brazos y piernas. El resto del cuerpo se encuentra en descomposición normal Es todo cuanto puedo informar. Atte. Servicio Médico Legal. Servicio Médico Legal – Forensic Medicine Unit Señor Fiscal en Turno – Attorney General on Duty Apariencia física del sujeto – Physical appearance of the subject Contextura: media-gruesa – Build: médiumColor de piel: moreno – Complexion: dark skin Rastros de consumo de marihuana y derivado de cocaína – Evidence of marijuana consumption and cocaine derivatives Estado de descomposición – state of decomposition La data de muerte – The date of the death Hallazgo del cadáver – Finding / recovery of the body Previas al deceso – Antemortem; before the death Excoriación (levantamiento de la piel) – Abrasion
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006
Heridas cortantes o incisas: Incised or cutting wounds Producidas por objetos afilados como latas, vidrios, cuchillos, que pueden seccionar músculos, tendones y nervios. Los bordes de la herida son limpios y lineales, la hemorragia puede ser escasa, moderada o abundante, dependiendo de la ubicación, número y calibre de los vasos sanguíneos seccionados. Heridas punzantes: Stab wounds Son producidas por objetos punteados, como clavos, agujas, anzuelos o mordeduras de serpientes. La lesión es dolorosa, la hemorragia escasa y el orificio de entrada es poco notorio; es considerada la más peligrosa porque puede ser profunda, haber perforada vísceras y provocar hemorragias internas. El peligro de infección es mayor debido a que no hay acción de limpieza producida por la salida de sangre sal exterior. El tétanos, es una de las complicaciones de éste tipo de heridas. Heridas punzocortantes: Sharp force wounds Son producidas por objetos agudos y afilados, como tijeras, puñales, cuchillos, o un hueso fracturado. Es una combinación de las dos tipo de heridas anteriormente nombradas. Heridas laceradas: Lacerations Producidas por objeto de bordes dentados (serruchos o latas). Hay desgarramiento de tejidos y los bordes de las heridas son irregulares. Heridas por armas de fuego: Gunshot wounds Producidas por proyectiles; generalmente el orificio de entrada es pequeño, redondeado limpio y el de salida es de mayor tamaño, la hemorragia depende del vaso sanguíneo lesionado; puede haber fractura o perforación visceral, según la localización de la lesión. Raspaduras, excoriaciones o abrasiones: Abrasions Producida por fricción o rozamiento de la piel con superficies duras. Hay pérdida de la capa más superficial de la piel (epidermis), dolor, tipo ardor, que cede pronto, hemorragia escasa. Se infecta con frecuencia. Heridas contusas: Blunt force wounds Producidas por piedras, palos, golpes de puño o con objetos duros. Hay dolor y hematoma, estas heridas se presentan por la resistencia que ofrece el hueso ante el golpe, ocasionando la lesión de los tejidos blandos.
Leticia E. Mason Nashville, TN September 2006