Cut-contusion injury with severe hemorrhagic diathesis: Potential crime scene or hemophilia? A forensic investigation

Abstract

Forensic investigation aims to identify, clarify and analyze evidence from a crime scene in order to assist law enforcement agencies. In this regard, both forensic hematology and forensic traumatology are responsible for interpreting the material evidence related to the crime and its nature. One of the biggest challenges in recognizing hemorrhagic diseases at crime scenes is the limited visibility of these diseases in forensic investigations, as well as the scarcity of resources for identification. In light of this context, this study aimed to describe a case of forensic investigation, whose victim had a cut-contusion injury in the head and significant blood loss. Analysis of the evidence demonstrated that the injury was caused by a fall from the victim's own height, hitting the head on the base of the gate rail at their residence. The forensic investigation of blood stain patterns revealed a predominant presence of blood stains caused by accumulation and it was discovered that the victim had a severe form of hemophilia, whose main characteristic is hemorrhage. After the fall, the victim died due to significant blood loss disproportionate to the injury suffered. The presentation of this report aims to provide elements of forensic hematology, which is not widely disseminated in the specialized literature, in order to assist professionals in dealing with similar patterns.