NCJ Number
221660
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 52 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2007 Pages: 1243-1251
Date Published
November 2007
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The primary objective of this study was to determine the type of macroscopic trauma created by a flat-tipped screwdriver and a cross-tipped screwdriver, and a secondary objective was to determine whether the trauma inflicted by the two types of screwdrivers could be macroscopically differentiated.
Abstract
The findings showed two main categories of macroscopic skeletal trauma created by the two types of screwdrivers. Both fractures and puncture wounds occurred in different forms and provided information for identifying and differentiating the type of screwdriver used. This can be achieved in two complementary ways; first, by the visual identification of puncture wounds that are directly diagnostic of the screwdriver used during the attack. Second, it is possible to differentiate between flat-tipped and cross-tipped trauma by studying the frequency patterns of the exhibited trauma. These findings, however, are preliminary. The various forms of trauma observed in this study require more analysis than was possible with the available sample size. The authors are currently involved in further research on this topic. Each of 3 tests consisted of 12 samples of fleshed pig ribs. Six were stabbed with a flat-tipped screwdriver, and the remaining six with a cross-tipped screwdriver (Phillips). Each sample received 15 stab wounds inflicted by male volunteers. The stabbings were conducted at perpendicular and oblique angles, with fabric variables being used. 6 tables, 10 figures, and 29 references