An autopsy based observational study of motive - weapon – injury triad in homicidal deaths

Introduction: Homicide is one of the most serious forms of interpersonal violence with diverse underlying motives, weapons and varying pattern of injuries.Aim: Kota with the basic aim to evaluate the motive, weapon used and injury patterns in homicidal deaths.Materials and Methods: The injury pattern may provide valuable information regarding the type of weapon, anatomical site and in selected cases the possible sequence of events. The present observational study was conducted at department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Kota with the basic aim to evaluate the motive, weapon used and injury patterns in homicidal deaths.Result: Impulse was the most common motive (22.22%), followed by land disputes (17.78%). Impulse was predominantly observed among victims aged 21-30 and 31-40 years, whereas land disputes were more frequently among victims aged 41-50 years. Both blunt and sharp weapons were used in impulse, accounting (22.22%). Fire-arm weapons related fatalities were predominantly tied to financial disputes. Head injuries were primarily caused by blunt weapons (80%), while chest and neck injuries chiefly inflicted by sharp weapons. Injuries over abdominal region were exclusively caused by sharp weapons. Blunt weapons were principally associated with head injuries and land disputes, whereas sharp weapons were more commonly associated with chest, neck and abdominal injuries and with impulsive or relationship-related motives.Conclusion: The study demonstrates a “motive–weapon–injury” triad, in which the circumstances and motive of homicide show a recognizable relationship with weapon selection and the resulting injury pattern. The findings also highlight the importance of prevention approaches addressing interpersonal conflicts, impulsive violence and misuse of weapons.