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Suicide by hara-kiri: a series of four cases
N Di Nunno1, F Costantinides, P Bernasconi
1Department of Internal Medicine and Public Medicine, University of Bari, Italy. forem@medicinalegale.uniba.it
Insights
This study details four cases of hara-kiri, a rare abdominal self-harm method. Differentiating suicide from homicide in these cases is crucial, with trial wounds offering key evidence.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Medical History
Background:
- Hara-kiri, a ritualistic abdominal suicide, has historical roots in Eastern cultures dating back to 988 A.D.
- This method of self-harm has become increasingly rare globally over centuries.
Observation:
- Four cases of hara-kiri were documented over a 40-year period in the Trieste and Bari medicolegal regions.
- Victims included individuals with diagnosed mental illness and those suffering from depression.
Findings:
- The study highlights the critical need for differential diagnosis between suicide and homicide in hara-kiri cases.
- The presence of 'trial wounds' is identified as a significant indicator of suicide, aiding in distinguishing intent.
Implications:
- Understanding the forensic markers of hara-kiri is essential for accurate medicolegal investigations.
- This research contributes to the rare documentation of hara-kiri, offering insights into its forensic aspects and psychological correlates.
Abstract:
The authors describe four cases of suicide by hara-kiri. This very painful form of suicide consists of self-inflicting a wound in the abdomen using a sharp instrument. It was first reported in 988 A.D. in the East but has now become rare in both the East and West. These four cases occurred over a 40-year period in the Trieste and Bari medicolegal area. In two of our cases the victims were afflicted with mental illness, whereas the other two suffered from depression. In cases of death by hara-kiri, it is important to establish a differential diagnosis between suicide and homicide; the presence of trial wounds (inflicted by the victim as a form of practice to overcome any hesitation before stabbing the abdomen with the cutting weapon) can prove very helpful.