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Canada |
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Sudden death
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"Sudden
death is the ultimate revealer of secrets, the stripper
away of privacy, exposer of what goes on behind locked doors
and in private rooms" (Smith, 1997, p. 1).
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United Kingdom |
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Infants
who die suddenly and unexpectedly, and in whom a thorough
postmortem examination reveals no cause, are placed
in the category of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
It is recognised that among those infants there are
some who have died as a result of direct harm from their
parents. 1 3 Opinions about the size of that proportion
have varied greatly.4 6 The number of infants dying
from unidentifiable natural causes has diminished as
a result of the following: (1) methods for the prevention
of severe illnesses in infancy have improved; (2) parents
and doctors now recognise ill infants earlier; and (3)
diagnostic tests and postmortem procedures have also
improved. Unless unnatural deaths diminish at a similar
rate, the proportion of babies categorised as SIDS who
have died unnatural deaths will increase and become
more important to recognize (Meadow, 1999, p. 7)
Smothering is thought to be the commonest covert reason
for such unnatural sudden infant deaths because, unlike
most other forms of physical abuse, fatal smothering
can occur without external signs on the face or body,
and without incriminating evidence at postmortem examination.
Moreover, there have been several studies indicating
that smothering of children by parents is not particularly
rare although fortunately most children abused in this
way do not die (Meadow, 1999, p. 7).
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evolution of forensic pathology
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"Dead men
tell no tales" (Dryden, 1681) "however, the evolution
of forensic pathology and the forensic sciences now has
proven otherwise. From even skeletal remains, the age, sex,
race, probable time and cause of death, identification of,
and even some of the life history of the deceased often
can be determined" (Hoyt & Sprangler, 1996)
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forensic autopsy investigation
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"The forensic
autopsy investigation is useful as it: provides scientific
evidence that is used to establish the manner and circumstances
of the victim's death; determines whether death was a homicide,
suicide, accident or due to natural causes; determines whether
death was a homicide, suicide, accident or due to natural
causes" (Schramm, 1991, p. 676).
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sudden unexpected infant death
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"Sudden
unexpected infant death occurs 5,000-7,000 times a year
in the United States with incidence rates varying by states
and race" (McClain & Schaefer, 1991, p. 30).
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sudden death
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"The forensic
autopsy investigation is useful as it: provides scientific
evidence that is used to establish the manner and circumstances
of the victim's death; determines whether death was a homicide,
suicide, accident or due to natural causes; determines whether
death was a homicide, suicide, accident or due to natural
causes" (Schramm, 1991, p. 676).
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neglect
deaths misclassified as accidents
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Neglect Deaths
Misclassified as Accidents. Many of the deaths we hear and
read about are misclassified as accidents. On many occasions
this is because indications of maltreatment are missed or
not investigated thoroughly. A child drown in a bathtub.
An accident or neglect? The cause of death could be easily
due to a clear lack of supervision, or an intentional drowning
by holding the child's dead under water. It could also be
a momentary lapse of supervision, while the parent leave
the room to obtain a towel or the child falls in the tub
hitting his or her head.
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SIDS cases
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"One of
the most notorious cases of SIDS involved Mary Beth Tinning,
who was charged in the smothering death of her infant adopted
daughter. It was during the inquiry that it was discovered
that eight biological children of Mrs. Tinning had also
died. The diagnosis of SIDS or natural causes (Reece, 1993,
p. 243). Mrs. Tinning had been an active member as a "SIDS"
mother supporting the work of the SIDS foundation. She was
convicted of the death of her ninth child and was sentenced
to 20 years in prison" (Lundstrum & Sharpe, 1991,
p. 191, p. 25).
Focus Points
Reference
Hoyt, C.A. &
Spangler, K.A. (1996). Forensic nursing implications and
the forensic autopsy. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing
and Mental Health Services, 34, (10), 24-31.
Lundstrum &
Sharpe, (1991).
McClain, M. E.,
& Shaefer, S.J.M. (1996). Supporting families after
sudden infant death. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing
and Mental Health Services, 34 (4), 30-34.
Reece, R.M. (1993).
Fatal child abuse and sudden infant death syndrome: A critical
diagnostic decision. Pediatrics, 91 (2), 423-429.
Shkrum, M. (1990).
Considerations in the investigation of a sudden death -
cause not readily apparent. Canadian Soc. Forensic Sciences
Journal, 23 (4), 167-175.
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Topic
A - Forensic Medicine > Section A.5.0. Forensic Populations >
Unit.A.5.1. Deaths - Sudden/Undetermined
