Violent deaths are examined to determine the cause and the manner of death. Homicidal victims referred to the two governorates departments of forensic medicine during a 5-year period from 2006 to 2010 were studied. Data of homicidal deaths was obtained from available medicolegal reports and statistically analyzed. The total number of postmortem examinations was 3235 in Gharbia, and 4233 in Qalubia; of these 9.2% and 8.8% were homicidal deaths respectively. The total incidence rate of homicidal deaths per 100,000 populations in Gharbia was (0.0092) and in Qalubia was (0.0088). The highest incidence of crimes in the two governorates occurred during summer months (41.4-48%), among family members (37.4-40.4%), took place outdoor (62.6-64.4%), and was among males (77.1-75.7%) in the age group 31-40 years (25.3-25.9%). Urban areas accounted for 61.5% in Gharbia and 68.2% in Qalubia. Victims were commonly unemployed in Gharbia (24.6%), while they were workers in Qalubia (24%). Sharp, blunt and firearm weapons were commonly used in the two governorates. Stabbing was the most common cause of death in both Gharbia and Qalubia (40.7-45%), and commonly occurred among males. Burn was more common among females while asphyxia was equally distributed in the two governorates. Defense wounds were recorded in 32.7% of homicidal deaths in Gharbia and 21% in Qalubia. In conclusion, the pattern of homicide in the two governorates was very similar. |
