Forensic Analysis of 52 Corpses Found in Wells

Abstract

Objective To explore the forensic pathological characteristics of corpses in wells, and to summarize the differences in corpses between homicide and suicide, so as to provide references for forensic analysis of such cases. Methods Data of 52 corpses found in wells （51 cases） in Xuchang, Henan Province from 2004 to 2016 were retrospectively collected, and descriptive statistics were performed on the dead individuals, time of death, wells, autopsies, and diatom testings. Results The proportion of males and females in the 52 corpses was 1∶2.5, and 42 people were at the age of >20-50 years （80.8%）. The accuracy of the death time inference were 75.0% and 54.2% within 8 d and 8 d or more after the actual death time, respectively. Most of the wells （84.3%） were small ones with big wellhead diameters of 60-100 cm. The death causes in homicide cases were mainly mechanical injury and suffocation （90.3%） with heads downwards （58.1%）, but that in suicide cases was mostly drow-ning （85.0%） with heads upwards （65.0%） and body surface abrasions （95.0%）. Conclusion Cases of corpses in wells should be comprehensively analyzed according to scene inspections, autopsies, and auxi-liary tests combined with inspection results.

Keywords

• forensic pathology; cadaver; cause of death; time of death; well