Cases at study comprise 21 sharp force fatalities (9 suicides – 7mand 2 f; 8 homicides – 5mand 3 f; 2 accidental deaths – 1m
and 1 f; 2 uncertain cases – 2 m), examined from 1993 to 2002. Suicide age range was 17–75 years, mean 42.4; in seven cases the
age was upper 40. Scene of death was at home in six cases, at open place in two, during hospitalisation in one. Incised wounds
were pre-eminent in suicides. Homicides showed multiple stab wounds. The two accidents were caused by ‘‘glassing’’.
Uncertain cases were a small stab wound to the chest and an eviration.
# 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved