Abstract: 

The distinction between suicide, homicide and accidental death has long been a subject of considerable interest in forensic medicine. In many cases, the crime scene is such that an initial examination does not allow the circumstances surrounding the death to be determined quickly. This is particularly true of suicides that do not present with typical features. The proposed method enables the prompt identification of a suicidal manner of death, distinguishing it from a homicidal or accidental manner of death.

Description: 

The method is based on a scoring system that assesses five criteria: (1) the frequency with which the suicide method used is adopted; (2) the compatibility of the means used and the injuries sustained with a suicidal manner of death; (3) the number of methods used; (4) the extent to which the findings from the scene investigation suggest suicide; and (5) a history of psychiatric disorders. Each criterion is assigned a score from 0 to 2, yielding a total score of 0 to 10 for each case. Cases are then classified into three categories: “typical suicide,” “atypical suicide” (further classified as mildly, moderately or highly atypical), and “incompatible with suicide.”

Advantages:

• Promote a more systematic assessment
• Integrate information from multiple sources

Applications:

• Preliminary assessment during or after the scene investigation
• Multidisciplinary case discussions
• Research and training

Patent published on 12/10/2026. Deadline for expressions of interest: 12/11/2026.

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