An Autopsy Study of Homicide and Arson-54 Cases

The present prospective study was carried from 2009 to 2012. During this period a Total of 3907 Homicides were Autopsied, of which 54 cases were recorded due to Murder and Arson Incidents, this contributed to 1.38% of Homicides cases. Majority of the Incidents involved Males contributing to 68.52% (n-37) of cases and the Females contributed to 31.48% ( n-17) of cases. Maximum number of victims belonged to the age group 31-40 (n-20). The least affected Victims were in 1st and the 6th decade. Majority of Murders, 90.74% (n-49), were as a results of Gunshot wounds and the least type of deaths were due to Stab wounds (1.85%; n-01) and Chop wounds (7.41%; n-04). The commonest method adopted for Arson was placing the Victim in the Car and setting Fire, This was reported in 68.51% (n-37) of cases. This was followed by arson on House of the Victim in 25.93% (n-14) of cases. The least type of Method of Arson adopted were placing(Killing) the Victim in Bush in 1.85% (n-01) and Shop(business) in 3.70% (n-02) of cases and setting on Fire. Gang related Murder and Arson contributed to 64.81% (n-35) of cases. The other commonly reported cases were Sex related factors contributing to 12.96% (n-07) of the cases. The least Motivating factor was Jealousy, recorded in only 05.56% (n-03) of cases.