The body of a dead person may be dismembered to either hinder identification or to aid in disposal. The instrument used can be identified by the markings left in bone.
Feature |
Axe |
Knife |
Saw |
width of mark |
very wide |
narrow (less than or equal to blade dimension) |
wide (greater than blade width) |
shape in cross section |
V-shape |
V-shape |
square |
surface appearance |
smooth, may have microscopic striations |
smooth, may have microscopic striations |
visible striations |
orientation to striations |
perpendicular to kerf floor |
perpendicular to kerf floor |
parallel to kerf floor |
wastage |
significant, with fracture and "chattering" |
minimal |
moderate |
where:
• kerf = notch or groove made by an axe, saw or other instrument
Limitations:
• More than one instrument may be used in the same area or on different portions of the body.
Specialty: Clinical Laboratory