Forensic analysis of minor victims from homicide cases in Shanghai, China: A 11-year retrospective study

Abstract

Homicide involving minors (under 18 years old) has always posed challenges for forensic experts. This study aims to summarize the forensic characteristics of minor victims from homicide cases in Shanghai (2010–2020), and retrospectively analyzed statistical changes over different periods. Of the 120 investigated minor victims, 66 were males and 54 were females. They were categorized into five age groups: < 1 (25, 20.8 %), 1–4 (31, 25.8 %), 5–9 (14, 11.7 %), 10–14 (20, 16.7 %) and 15–17 (30, 25.0 %) years old (y/o). Female perpetrators were observed more frequently among victims aged < 1 y/o compared to those aged 1–17 y/o (P < 0.0001). Mechanical injury was the most common method of injury (65, sharp injury 36, blunt injury 30), followed by mechanical asphyxia (53) and firearm (1). No victims were associated with drugs. Mechanical asphyxia was more prevalent among victims under 9 y/o (75.7 %, 53/70), while the majority of victims aged 10–17 suffered from sharp or blunt injuries (78.0 %, 39/50). Sharp injuries increased with age, while mechanical asphyxia decreased. Shanghai had low minor homicide rates in 2010–2020 due to effective child protection measures, but incomplete autopsies in some cases remained an issue. Compared to 1999–2009, the number of homicide minor victims in Shanghai decreased, but their proportion in all age groups increased. Age distribution and injury methods changed, with a decrease in minors aged 15–17 and incidents of mechanical asphyxia was observed in 2010–2020.