[Lethal intoxication with arsenic using prepared butter].

Area of Science:

• Forensic toxicology
• Clinical pathology
• Criminalistics

Background:

• Arsenic poisoning is a significant cause of mortality, often requiring detailed toxicological and forensic investigation.
• Case reports are crucial for understanding the nuances of poisoning incidents, including administration methods and clinical presentations.

Observation:

• A lethal intoxication case involving arsenic concealed within butter is presented.
• The report documents the victim's clinical course over two days, culminating in death prior to hospitalization.
• Evidence gathered includes witness statements, initial clinical findings, and comprehensive autopsy and chemical-toxicological results.

Findings:

• Chemical-toxicological analysis confirmed lethal levels of arsenic in the victim.
• Forensic autopsy findings corroborated the cause of death as arsenic intoxication.
• The perpetrator's confession and details of a prior unsuccessful poisoning attempt align with the forensic evidence.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of thorough forensic investigation in suspected poisoning deaths.
• The findings highlight the challenges in detecting arsenic poisoning, especially when administered via food matrices like butter.
• Legal proceedings and judicial outcomes based on comprehensive toxicological and forensic evidence are demonstrated.