TENTATIVE INJURIES IN A HOMICIDE

A homicide caused by blunt trauma to the neck and head is reported. On the left side of the victim's neck were multiple superficial cuts tha t ran parallel to deeper ones that appeared to be the typical pattern of tentative or hesitation injuries. Further information on the perpet ration of the crime could not be obtained from the offender, but it mu st be assumed that the cuts were made after the victim had already bee n knocked unconscious by blows or kicks. The considerable blood alcoho l concentration of the perpetrator and the rather reduced sharpness of the serrated kitchen knife used probably contributed to the developme nt of these injuries.