Ned Kelly tattoos--origins and forensic implications
1School of Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia. roger.byard@sa.gov.au
Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
|July 21, 2011
Summary
Tattoos of Australian outlaw Ned Kelly were found in 20 deceased individuals during forensic autopsies. These individuals, predominantly white males, showed a higher incidence of unnatural deaths, including suicide and homicide.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Anthropology
- Cultural Studies
Background:
- Tattoos are common in the general population.
- Ned Kelly is a significant figure in Australian folklore.
- Forensic autopsies can provide insights into decedent characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize deceased individuals with Ned Kelly tattoos.
- To analyze the circumstances of death in this cohort.
- To assess the potential significance of such tattoos in identification.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of autopsy files at Forensic Science SA.
- Identification of 20 cases with Ned Kelly tattoos.
- Analysis of demographic data and cause of death.
Main Results:
- All 20 decedents were white males, aged 20-67 years (average 37).
- 85% of deaths were unnatural (40% suicide, 35% accident, 10% homicide).
- Suicide and homicide rates were significantly higher than the general autopsy population.
Conclusions:
- Ned Kelly tattoos may be associated with an increased risk of traumatic death.
- Such tattoos can suggest Australian nationality or connection in international or disaster victim identification.
- The findings highlight a specific demographic and cause-of-death profile in decedents with Ned Kelly tattoos.
