Interpreting characteristics of offenders based on injury patterns of homicide victims: Two case reports

Interpreting offender characteristics based on injury patterns in homicide victims is a complex yet valuable concept in forensic investigations. There are several studies in the literature that explore the association between injury pattern and offender characteristics, but findings remain inconsistent and difficult to generalise. This article discusses two cases of homicide, based on the relevant literature available. Overkilling or mutilation was frequently considered a special injury pattern in literature and described as a marker of intense emotional arousal or personal conflict between the victim and the offender. Both homicides demonstrated this pattern. However, interpreting offender characteristics based on the victim’s injury pattern should be done critically within a broader psycho-socio-behavioural context.