Determining the Manner of Fatal Cut Throat Injury and its Challenges: A Case Report

Authors

  • Gebremariam Tewelemedhin Gebremariam Rwanda Forensic Institute, Kigali; Rwanda https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4291-6777 (unauthenticated)
  • Charles Karangwa Rwanda Forensic Institute,Kigali; Rwanda
  • Innocent Nkurunziza Rwanda Forensic Institute, Kigali; Rwanda
  • David Ishimwe Rwanda Forensic Institute, Kigali; Rwanda.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/bg316464

Keywords:

Cutthroat injury, Forensic autopsy, Manner of death

Abstract

Cutthroat wounds, uncommon and complex neck injuries inflicted by sharp objects, often share similar
characteristics, which makes it difficult for forensic experts to ascertain the cause of death. This case report
presents the autopsy findings of a 19-year-old girl who died of a sharp force injury to the neck. Autopsy revealed
a horizontal cutthroat wound at the front of the neck, a deep wound on the left shoulder, several superficial
injuries on the face, and extensive bloodstains on the neck, chest, and hands. This report emphasizes the necessity
of a thorough and multidisciplinary approach in the postmortem examination of cutthroat injuries, stressing the
importance of a detailed evaluation of wound features, associated injuries, and contextual evidence to accurately
determine the manner of death

 

Author Biographies

  • Gebremariam Tewelemedhin Gebremariam, Rwanda Forensic Institute, Kigali; Rwanda

    Forensic Medicine Specialist, Medical Doctor, Rwanda Forensic Institute, Kigali; Rwanda

  • Charles Karangwa, Rwanda Forensic Institute,Kigali; Rwanda

    Director General, Pharmacist, DEA, PhD, Post Doc Fellowship of Clinical Toxicology, Rwanda Forensic Institute,Kigali; Rwanda

  • Innocent Nkurunziza, Rwanda Forensic Institute, Kigali; Rwanda

    Forensic Medicine Division Manager, Medical Doctor, MPH in Epidemiology, Rwanda
    Forensic Institute, Kigali; Rwanda

  • David Ishimwe, Rwanda Forensic Institute, Kigali; Rwanda.

    Bsc nursing, MPH in Global health, Rwanda Forensic Institute, Kigali; Rwanda.

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Published

2025-10-16

How to Cite

Determining the Manner of Fatal Cut Throat Injury and its Challenges: A Case Report. (2025). Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 19(4), 19-23. https://doi.org/10.37506/bg316464