[Application of spectral methods for the identification of rubber-sole footwear as a trauma implement]

Kicking to death is estimated to account for nearly 0.5% of all forensic medical autopsies and an appreciable share of murders. Meanwhile, the true number of such cases seems to be much in excess of these statistical data due to the difficulty of ascertaining the nature of injuring tools. This paper reports the results of a comprehensive medico-criminalistic investigation of the traces left by kicking with rubber-sole footwear. It is shown that in certain cases the use of spectral techniques (X-ray fluorescence and emission-spectral analysis) in combination with autopsy data, results of comparative forensic biological studies, and inquest information makes it possible to identify a concrete trauma weapon.