Journal of forensic sciences最新文献

{"title":"Relationships between human tibia diaphysis shape and experimental injury outcomes","authors":"Christopher M. Goden PhD,&nbsp;Amanda M. Agnew PhD,&nbsp;Angela L. Harden PhD","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.70381","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.70381","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Interpretation is central to skeletal trauma analysis; however, the influence of intrinsic skeletal variation, such as long bone shape, on injury is not fully understood. While previous studies have emphasized extrinsic variables such as loading rate, direction, and number of impacts, this study investigates whether diaphyseal shape variation of the tibia contributes to differential injury outcomes sustained under standardized blunt trauma experiments. Sixty adult human tibiae were subjected to controlled four-point bending tests in a lateral-medial direction at 6 m/s, and resulting fractures were analyzed by count and overall injury complexity. Diaphyseal surface morphology was quantified as continuous shape traits represented by unscaled and scaled principal components to capture size-dependent and shape-only variation, respectively. Multinomial logistic regression models identified shape-injury associations and examined the moderating effects of age and sex. Multiple shape traits, particularly those involving anterior crest morphology and diaphyseal curvature, were significantly associated with fracture count and injury complexity. Notably, low-variance traits also influenced outcomes, suggesting individual morphology may modulate injury outcomes. Sex- and age-based interactions further indicate that similar morphologies may result in different outcomes between males or females and across adult age groups. Compared to fracture count, injury complexity produced more interpretable and biologically meaningful results. Collectively, these results show injury outcomes vary with tibial morphology, even under identical loading conditions, suggesting shape may warrant consideration when interpreting trauma in forensic casework. Accounting for shape variation may improve interpretation reliability, avoid misinterpretation of extrinsic factors, and support the development of probabilistic frameworks in forensic reconstructions.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"71 5","pages":"1979-1992"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1556-4029.70381","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148260976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unified frequency and graph learning framework for accurate and robust copy-move image forgery detection","authors":"Shaheena Kizhakke Veetil MPhil,&nbsp;Dhanalakshmi Selvarajan PhD","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.70405","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.70405","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Copy-move forgery (CMF) is one of the most prominent challenges to be addressed by digital image forensics experts today due to the ease with which forged objects can be copied and placed within the same image to conceal or replicate objects. The conventional approaches to detect CMF frequently suffer from a number of challenges, including increased computational complexity, poor localization accuracy, and reduced efficacy to detect minor forgeries. To mitigate the challenges associated with the conventional approach to detect copy-move forgeries, the current study aims to introduce a novel Dual-Phase Forgery Identification Network (DPFIN) that is capable of improving the efficacy of the detection process while exhibiting better resilience to complex forgeries. The proposed approach is based on a novel dual-phase preprocessing mechanism that combines the efficacy of frequency domain analysis with adaptive visual enhancement to detect hidden forgery artifacts. The proposed approach utilizes a YOLOv5-based backbone to extract multi-scale features for the input images. Furthermore, a learning mechanism based on the Zebra Optimization Algorithm is also introduced to ensure stable training and better generalization performance for the model. The performance evaluation of the proposed DPFIN is carried out to achieve 99.89% accuracy and 98.89% F1-score with a false positive rate of 0.21% on the CoMoFoD dataset. Also, 99.99% AUC is achieved with 96.8% F1-score on the CASIA v2 dataset. This proves that the proposed DPFIN is a reliable solution for image forgery detection.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"71 5","pages":"2099-2113"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148595320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of bone preparation approaches using length-based analysis and targeted sequencing for forensic human identification of historic skeletal remains","authors":"Ciara Rhodes PhD,&nbsp;Jacqueline Tyler Thomas MS,&nbsp;Kimberly Sturk-Andreaggi PhD,&nbsp;Tal Simmons PhD,&nbsp;Sarah Seashols-Williams PhD","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.70384","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.70384","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Advances in DNA technology have significantly enhanced the forensic community's ability to develop genetic profiles from unidentified human skeletal remains. However, sampling requires mechanical grinding of hard tissues before DNA isolation. This processing can compromise genetic profiles, particularly in aged bones. We compared the industry-standard pulverization method with an alternative powder-free preparation involving prolonged demineralization and subsequent slicing of 19th-century cortical bone. Data from DNA quantification, STR genotyping, and targeted SNP sequencing were used to evaluate powdered samples versus demineralized slices from paired human bones. Average human DNA yields for pulverized samples and demineralized slices were 0.032 ng and 0.692 ng, respectively. Demineralized slices recovered more amplifiable DNA than traditional homogenization methods (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). No pulverized samples produced STR profiles, whereas demineralized slices from the same bone samples yielded partial profiles. Samples underwent DNA repair, library preparation, and hybridization capture using the FORensic Capture Enrichment (FORCE) panel. Applying low-coverage (1X) analysis of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) data, demineralized slices outperformed those prepared by traditional pulverization methods (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) and substantially increased the information recovered compared with conventional STR analysis methods. Based on HTS data from pulverized samples, DNA fragment length ranged from 27 to 95 bp, and FORCE SNP recovery was 33.23%. In contrast, for demineralized slices, DNA fragment length ranged from 85 to 114 bp, and FORCE SNP recovery was 83.24%. The required reagents and equipment are typically available in forensic labs, and the workflow outlined herein significantly increases the success of DNA recovery from challenging skeletal samples.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"71 5","pages":"2040-2050"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1556-4029.70384","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148285064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preserving evidence integrity in full file system extractions: Assessing hash inconsistencies and potential solutions","authors":"Sanghyun Yoo MS,&nbsp;Yunji Park MA,&nbsp;Doowon Jeong PhD","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.70362","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.70362","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Smartphone manufacturers' enhanced privacy and security measures, such as File-Based Encryption (FBE), have disrupted traditional data extraction techniques, necessitating the adoption of Full File System Extraction (FFS). FFS requires booting a smartphone, decrypting its UserData partition, and accessing files individually, a process that risks data modifications caused by postboot application activity and network connections. This study evaluates the impact of FFS on evidence integrity by analyzing hash value changes across repeated acquisitions from Android smartphones. Using mobile forensic tools and ADB (Android Debug Bridge) for validation, we assessed whether FFS complies with the principles of repeatability and reproducibility. Files were categorized into five potential forensic relevance classes to evaluate how hash value changes affect the reliability of digital evidence. Results highlight that system-generated files and logs are prone to changes during FFS, while user-generated content largely retains integrity. To address these challenges, we suggest two possible solutions. The first is a technical approach that uses an initial reference image to identify and restore altered files, effectively mitigating hash value discrepancies. The second is a procedural measure emphasizing detailed documentation and systematic management of acquisition changes, particularly for newly created files. These findings and proposed approaches aim to improve the reliability of FFS in digital forensics, ensuring evidence admissibility and supporting cross-validation across forensic tools. This research contributes to advancing standardized practices for smartphone evidence acquisition in forensic investigations.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"71 5","pages":"2070-2087"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1556-4029.70362","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147936695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From 15,000 to near zero: Cuyahoga County's eight-year effort to address lawfully “owed” DNA","authors":"Rachel E. Lovell PhD,&nbsp;Mary C. Weston JD,&nbsp;Duoduo Huang MS","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.70367","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.70367","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study presents the final outcomes of an eight-year, countywide initiative to address “lawfully owed” DNA (LODNA) among individuals who should have had a DNA sample in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) following a qualifying arrest or conviction but did not. Building on prior research in this jurisdiction, this study evaluates the effectiveness of policies and practices in identifying, collecting, and uploading LODNA samples to CODIS. Using a comprehensive list of 14,920 individuals confirmed to have LODNA (“census”), we assessed outcomes, lessons learned, and remaining issues in the DNA sample collection process. By the end of the funded initiative, 25.5% (<i>n</i> = 3802) of “census members” (the 14,920 individuals on our census) were confirmed to be in CODIS, including 641 collected directly through an enacted prosecutor-initiated arraignment policy. DNA sample collection improved substantially over time. Results indicated that missed collections were reduced from an estimated 20–50% prior to the initiative to 2.2% in 2021 (1 in 45) and to 0.2% in 2023 (1 in 455) for probationers—a near-elimination of missed DNA samples. Remaining challenges include deceased individuals and those residing out of state (an estimated 21.5% of those who “owed”), and collection efforts from census members who are registered sex offenders. Findings also document how this jurisdiction achieved such a dramatic reduction in missed DNA samples, highlight lessons learned and recommendations in implementing large-scale reforms, and provide a framework for jurisdictions seeking to strengthen LODNA sample collection practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"71 5","pages":"2114-2127"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1556-4029.70367","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148007729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stakeholders' perspectives on integrating point-of-care diagnostics into forensic death investigations in South Africa","authors":"Sebueng Ramatsokotla MSc,&nbsp;Bathabile Soul MMed,&nbsp;Kuhlula Maluleke PhD,&nbsp;Lucinda Evert MSc,&nbsp;Stefan Jansen van Vurren PhD,&nbsp;Bettina Chale-Matsau PhD,&nbsp;Susan Mabotja MMed,&nbsp;Evans Duah PhD,&nbsp;Tivani Mashamba-Thompson PhD","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.70390","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.70390","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Unnatural and unexplained deaths present critical challenges to the criminal justice, medico-legal, and public health systems. This study explored forensic professionals' perspectives on the integration of point-of-care (POC) diagnostics into unnatural death investigations in South Africa. A Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was conducted with eight key forensic stakeholders to identify and prioritize the potential benefits, facilitators, and barriers associated with POC implementation. Stakeholders ranked guidance for investigation and autopsy, improved turnaround times, and resource efficiency as the most significant POC diagnostic benefits. Scientific validity, quality assurance, and alignment with legal and regulatory frameworks were identified as critical facilitators, whereas technical limitations, quality management gaps, and legal uncertainties emerged as key barriers. Participants emphasized that POC diagnostics could support timely decision-making during death scene investigations and autopsies, reduce laboratory backlogs, and improve family and community outcomes through faster case resolution. However, successful integration requires standardized protocols, validation, and appropriate training to ensure scientific and legal defensibility. These findings provide foundational evidence to inform the responsible integration of POC diagnostics into forensic death investigations, with potential benefits for justice delivery and community health in South Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"71 5","pages":"2182-2192"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1556-4029.70390","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148284990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fatal splenic artery aneurysm rupture at medicolegal autopsy: A case series and review of the literature","authors":"Burak Karip PhD,&nbsp;Muhammed Fatih Yaman MD,&nbsp;Hüseyin Çağrı Şahin MD,&nbsp;Furkan Kılıç MD,&nbsp;Abdulvahap Sevin MD,&nbsp;Yusuf Atan MD,&nbsp;Aytül Buğra MD","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.70358","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.70358","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) rupture is a deceptive cause of sudden unexpected death presenting significant medicolegal challenges. This retrospective case series and comprehensive literature review analyzes the clinicopathological features of six nontraumatic fatal SAA ruptures. Clinical presentations were predominantly nonspecific, resulting in diagnostic delays and medicolegal inquiries in two cases. A size-rupture paradox was observed, as fatal hemorrhage occurred across a wide diameter spectrum (3–12 cm), proving that small aneurysms also carry lethal potential. The literature review elucidates the multifactorial etiopathogenesis of SAA, encompassing genetic, hormonal, hemodynamic, and inflammatory factors. Furthermore, the clinical trajectory of delayed fatality is explained by the double-rupture phenomenon, which creates a deceptive lucid interval. Histochemical evaluation utilizing Elastic Verhoeff–Van Gieson (EVG) staining was pivotal, demonstrating severe internal elastic lamina loss to confirm spontaneous degenerative rupture and exclude trauma. Consequently, meticulous celiac trunk dissection and routine EVG histochemistry must be integrated into forensic autopsy protocols evaluating unexplained hemoperitoneum to accurately determine the cause of death and address liability disputes.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"71 5","pages":"2210-2216"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147936583","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Death-certificate–recorded autopsy utilization in U.S. intoxication deaths, 2003–2023: National trends, benchmark comparison, and state heterogeneity","authors":"Mohammed Sait MBBS, MSc","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.70363","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.70363","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Drug intoxication deaths increasingly fall under medicolegal jurisdiction, yet national trends in death-certificate–recorded autopsy utilization for community intoxication deaths are not well characterized. Using CDC WONDER MCOD tabulations (2003–2023), we performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis. Primary analyses were restricted to a community/emergency department (Community/ED) subset (home; dead on arrival; outpatient/ER; other; or unknown). The outcome was intoxication autopsy utilization among deaths with known autopsy status (Yes/[Yes+No]), modeled with Joinpoint regression. We also described Community/ED autopsy workload proxy and intoxication share, estimated a national historical-baseline gap in intoxication autopsies under a 2006–2011 baseline utilization rate, and compared state changes between 2018–2019 and 2022–2023. Total all-place intoxication deaths increased from 348,082 (2003–2012) to 411,446 (2020–2023). In the Community/ED subset, autopsy utilization declined from 84.74% (2003) to 69.78% (2023), with a joinpoint in 2018 and a steeper decline during 2018–2023 (annual percent change, −3.09%/year); the largest year-to-year decrease was 2019–2020 (−5.01 percentage points). The homicide autopsy benchmark (all places) remained 98.06%–98.82%. All-cause Community/ED autopsies increased from 128,494 (2003) to 216,842 (2023), and the intoxication deaths share rose from 12.56% to 30.15%. The historical-baseline gap reached 13,867 fewer intoxication autopsies than expected in 2023. From 2018–2019 to 2022–2023, age-adjusted intoxication mortality increased in 49 states while Community/ED autopsy utilization declined in 33. Death-certificate–recorded community intoxication autopsy utilization declined amid rising intoxication burden, with substantial state heterogeneity and widening historical-baseline gaps, highlighting implications for medicolegal capacity and death-certificate autopsy documentation.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"71 5","pages":"2200-2209"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147857899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A feasibility study of chromatographic methods with mass spectrometry, flame ionization detector (FID), and micro electron capture detector (μECD) for laboratory adoption of organic gunshot residue analysis at trace levels","authors":"Addio Fiordigigli Jr. BS,&nbsp;Thomas Ledergerber PhD,&nbsp;Monica Joshi PhD,&nbsp;Kourtney Dalzell PhD,&nbsp;Tatiana Trejos PhD,&nbsp;Luis Arroyo PhD","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.70386","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.70386","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study compares the feasibility of several chromatographic systems, including GC–MS/FID/μECD, GC–MS/MS, and LC–MS/MS for the forensic analysis of trace levels of organic gunshot residue (OGSR). Implementing new methods in forensic laboratories is a complex process fraught with challenges, but it is crucial for keeping pace with technological progress and enhancing the scientific reliability of the evidence. A major obstacle is the significant financial investment required for new equipment, validation, and personnel training. The techniques evaluated here are commonly available in fire debris, explosives, controlled substances, or toxicology units, making the transition to new OGSR services more manageable. This article provides practitioners and laboratory managers with practical recommendations for utilizing popular chromatographic methods for detecting OGSR at trace levels recovered from skin matrices. Figures of merit are reported for six different instrumental configurations for seven analytes of interest: nitroglycerin, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, diphenylamine, ethyl centralite, 2-nitrodiphenylamine, Akardite II, and 4-nitrodiphenylamine. The limits of detection range from 0.3 to 130 ppb, depending on the analyte and method used. Performance rates were calculated for datasets of 20 non-shooters and 20 shooter samples using various ammunition brands. GC–MS/μECD exhibited superior performance rates, with an average accuracy of 94%, comparable to that of LC–MS/MS. Final reconstitution with hexane improved results when using GC–MS compared with methanol. GC–MS/MS performance rates were slightly lower, with an average accuracy of 87%. These results suggest that adding a secondary detector (μECD) to a GC–MS would allow for a more accessible and sensitive approach to OGSR analysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"71 5","pages":"1993-2012"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148285022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Occupational mortality in older workers: A forensic autopsy-based evaluation","authors":"Muhammet Ali Oruç MD,&nbsp;Hüseyin Çağrı Şahin MD,&nbsp;Muhammed Oduncu MD,&nbsp;Muhammed Fatih Yaman MD,&nbsp;Abdulkadir Can MD","doi":"10.1111/1556-4029.70360","DOIUrl":"10.1111/1556-4029.70360","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The aging of the global workforce has led to an increasing number of individuals remaining occupationally active at older ages. However, forensic autopsy-based data on workplace deaths in this population remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the causes and manners of workplace-related deaths among individuals aged 65 years and older based on forensic autopsy findings. This retrospective study included individuals aged ≥65 years who died at the workplace and underwent forensic autopsy between 2020 and 2024. Demographic characteristics, manner and cause of death, comorbidities, autopsy findings, and toxicological results were analyzed. A total of 126 cases were evaluated. Natural deaths accounted for 67.5% (<i>n</i> = 85) of cases and were primarily attributed to cardiovascular diseases, most commonly ischemic heart disease and severe coronary atherosclerosis (60.3%, <i>n</i> = 76). Non-natural deaths comprised 32.5% (<i>n</i> = 41) and included both accidental and suicidal deaths. Accidental deaths were most frequently associated with blunt force trauma (19.8%, <i>n</i> = 25), while suicidal deaths were mainly related to hanging (4.8%, <i>n</i> = 6) and drug intoxication (4.0%, <i>n</i> = 5). Toxicological analyses were negative in the majority of cases (91.3%, <i>n</i> = 115), and no substances were identified as contributory to death. Workplace-related deaths among older workers reflect a combination of natural disease processes and external causes. Forensic autopsy provides essential information for accurate determination of cause and manner of death and for distinguishing accidental occupational fatalities from intentional self-harm.</p>","PeriodicalId":15743,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic sciences","volume":"71 5","pages":"2193-2199"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1556-4029.70360","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147846986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}