Pattern of Homicidal Deaths at a Tertiary Care Centre, Chennai- A Prospective Study

Pattern of homicidal deaths vary from place to place. The present study was carried out at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Madras Medical College, Chennai, India, during the period of Jan 2009 and Dec 2009. During this period 55 cases of homicidal deaths were subjected to medicolegal autopsy. Out of these, 50 cases (90.9%) were in the age group of 18-50yrs and the peak incidence was noted in the age group of 31-40yrs, 21 cases (38.17%). Males outnumbered females by a ratio of 3.58:1. Majority were married, 42 cases (76.36%). The predominated motive in 30 cases (54.55%) was quarrel following an argument. In 43cases (78.18%) the offender were either known or acquainted to the victims. The incidence of homicide was more during day time, 41cases (74.55%). In 37cases (67.27%) homicide was committed outdoor. Blunt force mechanical violence was the most common type (58.19%), followed by sharp weapon injuries (29.09%). Most common cause of death in 65.46% of cases was head injury.