Stab wounds upon bone are analyzed to interpret the weapon used and the physical context in which the attack occurred. Theliterature demonstrates that most research conducted pertaining to wound patterns has been carried out on defleshed and unclothed bone samples, notadequately replicating actual circumstances. For this research, six half pig torsos (Sus scrofa), fleshed (including muscle, fat, epidermis, and dermislayers) and clothed, were stabbed using three knife types, applying both straight and downward thrusts. Analysis conducted macroscopically andthrough a scanning electron microscope with an environmental secondary electron detector revealed a general lack of consistency in wound patternand associated secondary effects. Consequently, it was not possible to establish wound pattern per knife type as suggested in previous research orrelate it to stab motion. Advantage of microscopic analysis was evident in recognizing woun d traits and observation of trace evidence not visiblemacroscopically.
Keywords:
forensic science, forensic anthropology, sharp force trauma, stab wounds, knives, wound patterns, stab motion, macroscopicanalysis, SEM analysis