A unique case of suicide by machete: Injury pattern and considerations on the manner of death

Sharp force injuries caused by cutting or stabbing instruments represent a relatively rare cause of death in the United States, with firearms remaining the leading mechanism in homicides. Among sharp instruments, machete-related fatalities are infrequently reported, and no documented suicides have been described. In this case, an adult male with a history of schizophrenia, intellectual disability, and depression was found deceased at home with a machete embedded in the chest. Postmortem examination revealed a wound tract involving multiple rib fractures, lung and pulmonary artery injury, and left hemothorax. The scene investigation, psychiatric history, and autopsy findings supported a suicidal manner of death. This case highlighted the unique forensic challenges posed by machete injuries which, due to the nature of the weapon and resulting injuries, can complicate the determination of the manner of death. Differentiating suicide from homicide in such cases requires a comprehensive approach, including thorough scene analysis, detailed autopsy, and consideration of psychiatric and circumstantial evidence.