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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology 3/2016

01-09-2016 | Case Report

Artefactual incised wounds due to postmortem predation by the Sri Lankan water monitor (kabaragoya)

Author: Sameera A. Gunawardena

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 3/2016

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Abstract

Monitor lizards are large reptilian animals mostly seen around water based habitats. Sri Lanka has an endemic water monitor lizard called the kabaragoya (Varanus salvator salvator) which is perhaps the most common large animal scavenger in the country. Scavenging by the kabaragoya can result in postmortem incised injuries which are caused by their sharp pointed claws as they grip or crawl over a dead body. The author presents four cases where these claw marks raised significant medicolegal issues. In one case of a young female they mimicked defense injuries that might be seen in a person that was killed with heavy sharp weapon trauma to the head. In another case, claw marks on the face raised homicidal allegations in an immersion death following intoxication. In a case of suicidal drowning these injuries simulated self-inflicted cuts. The fourth case shows how claw marks complicated the investigation of a dismembered upper limb. Kabaragoya claw marks are mostly seen in decomposed and macerated bodies recovered from water. Injuries are mostly superficial and limited to skin and soft tissues. Bony injuries are not seen. Awareness of the creature’s scavenging habits and careful analysis of the appearance and distribution of the injuries is essential to differentiate claw marks from sharp weapon trauma.
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Metadata
Title
Artefactual incised wounds due to postmortem predation by the Sri Lankan water monitor (kabaragoya)
Author
Sameera A. Gunawardena
Publication date
01-09-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 3/2016
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-016-9781-1

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