Cut-throat wounds: Suicidal and homicidal—two case reports and review of literature

Abstract

Cut-throat wounds are a well-recognized method of homicide, are less commonly used in suicides and are rarely accidental. The forensic pathologist has a very challenging and important task when commenting on the manner of infliction of such wounds when such a case is presented with no proper history or witnesses. We present two cases of cut-throat wounds, one suicide and one homicide, to show the differences between the pattern of wounds. We highlight the differences between the two cases in relation to other external injuries, the circumstances in which the bodies were found and other factors. We intend to update the literature regarding this topic in reference to our cases. We also hope that our presentation will be beneficial to doctors performing autopsies on such cases, so as to distinguish the manner of cut-throat wounds in equivocal cases of death.