Journal
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC AND LEGAL MEDICINE
Volume 65, Issue -, Pages 55-60Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.05.008
Keywords
Forensic toxicology; Forensic medicine; Violence; Homicides; Illicit drugs; Legal medicine
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Objectives: The use of illicit drugs is considered a risk factor for victimization by lethal violence and is frequently found in necropsies of homicide victims. This study aimed to evaluate the profile of these victims. Methods and material: A cross-sectional retrospective study was performed on homicide victims in 2014 with a sample composed of all homicide cases in 2014 for which toxicology had been performed in an Official Forensic Laboratory (Minas Gerais-Brazil). Results: 1382 homicide victims composed the sample. The group with a positive toxicology test (N = 943) presented higher proportions of men (p = 0.003), black/brown skin (p < 0.001), firearm history (p = 0.007) and a lower mean age (p < 0.001). In 72.2% of the positive tests, cocaine and benzoylecgonine were found; in 67.7%, THC and/or its metabolite was found; and in 43.1%, both illicit drugs were found. Conclusions: The role of illicit drugs in early death goes far beyond intoxication as they are directly associated with age, skin color and gender. Young black/mixed men have an increased risk of homicide. Our findings point to the importance of investing in social actions, public safety and efforts to reduce drug use in this at-risk population.
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