Ferguson Claire, Sutherland Tiffany
From the School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2018 Sep;39(3):192-200. doi: 10.1097/PAF.0000000000000386.
The difficulty in classifying manner of death in falls from a height provides offenders an opportunity to avoid detection by having a homicide appear otherwise. Twelve fall homicides were qualitatively examined. Results showed that most homicidal falls occurred at remote outdoor locations, were planned by offenders who were in controlling intimate relationships with the victim, and were motivated by gain. Homicide was established using inconsistencies in offender's statements and the physical evidence, inappropriate postoffense behavior, evidence of planning, and improbable alleged victim behavior. Fall homicides pose unique challenges for investigators and may negatively impact on the criminal justice process.
从高处坠落案件中死亡方式的分类困难，为犯罪者提供了一个机会，使其能够通过让杀人案看似是其他情况来逃避侦查。对12起坠落杀人案进行了定性研究。结果显示，大多数杀人坠落事件发生在偏远的户外地点，由与受害者处于控制性亲密关系的犯罪者策划，且动机是获利。通过犯罪者陈述与实物证据中的不一致之处、犯罪后不适当行为、策划证据以及被害人行为不合理之处来认定为杀人案。坠落杀人案给调查人员带来了独特的挑战，并可能对刑事司法程序产生负面影响。
