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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology 2/2013

01-06-2013 | Forensic Forum

The occurrence of cadaveric spasm is a myth

Authors: Paul J. Bedford, Michael Tsokos

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 2/2013

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Excerpt

Cadaveric spasm relates to the concept of the instantaneous appearance of rigidity in a deceased body. Articles referring to this phenomenon are widespread in the literature with an emphasis on the grasping or gripping of objects especially relating to gunshot suicide deaths. Other examples of the presence of objects in the hand are discussed with a background of drowning, sharp force injuries, electrocution and injectable drug overdose. Famous forensic cases such as the Brides in the Bath murders have relevance as one of the victims apparently retained soap in their hand. Other stories of unusual positions of the body, suggestive of instantaneous rigor, are encountered in war and in the bodies of victims of the Mt Vesuvius eruption in AD79. Some more recent cases where objects have been identified in the hand of the deceased will be shown and discussed. …
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Metadata
Title
The occurrence of cadaveric spasm is a myth
Authors
Paul J. Bedford
Michael Tsokos
Publication date
01-06-2013
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-012-9391-5

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