A 46 year old man was found lying face down in a pool of blood inside his locked apartment. A single edged stainless steel knife with 15 cm long blade was found near the corpse. An autopsy was performed. A 12 cm long transverse incised wound dissecting the skin, subcutaneous tissue, platysma and the right jugular vein is found. Multiple superficial cuts were found at the left end of the transverse incision.
No defensive wounds or other signs of assault were seen. Toxicology report reveals prolonged use of cannabis. The cause of death is determined as heart failure due to exsanguination. What could be the manner of death– homicidal or suicidal? Source: Solarino B et al Rom J Leg Med [19] 161-166 [2011]
