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A cause célèbre: the so-called "ballpoint murder".

J C Rompen1, M F Meek, M V van Andel

  • 1Medical Faculty, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.

Journal of Forensic Sciences
|September 27, 2000
PubMed
Summary

A rare transorbital intracranial injury involving a ballpoint pen penetrating the eye was investigated. Medical experts suggested a tragic accident, despite initial suspicions of foul play, supported by cadaver test-firing.

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Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Forensic Pathology
  • Trauma Surgery

Background:

  • Transorbital intracranial injuries are rare but significant ophthalmologic traumas.
  • This case involves a fatal penetrating head injury through the eye.

Observation:

  • A deceased woman presented with a Bic ballpoint pen lodged in her head via the right eye.
  • Initial police investigation considered homicide as a possibility.

Findings:

  • Medical expert analysis and crossbow test-firing on human cadavers suggest a tragic accident was the more probable cause of injury.
  • The specific mechanism of injury was evaluated to determine accidental versus intentional infliction.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of thorough forensic investigation in unusual trauma cases.

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  • Understanding injury mechanisms is crucial for differentiating accidents from homicides in forensic pathology.
  • The findings contribute to the literature on transorbital intracranial injuries and their potential causes.