Pediatric Homicide

Pediatric homicide investigations are clouded by a number of factors, not the least of which is a lack of straightforward resources. The cause of death in infants and children is often subtle and difficult to establish. Designed for quick access, Pediatric Homicide: Medical Investigation provides an invaluable resource for medical examiners, police, child abuse investigators, and attorneys charged with either making or ruling out the diagnosis of homicide. Focusing on forensic pathology aspects, this book covers the causes of death which are most difficult to determine, including: head injury asphyxiation drowning abdominal trauma poisoning starvation and dehydration With contributions by a team of expert pathologists, the book provides a scientific foundation for diagnosing homicide, discusses methods to determine the timing of injuries and death, and reviews the legal requirements for presenting evidence in court. More than 100 photographs enhance the text and clarify the source of injury in these difficult cases.

Author Biography

Dr. Karen Griest is the editor and a major contributor to The Pediatric Trauma and Forensic Newsletter, established in 1993. She has taught forensic medical investigation to police officers, criminal investigators, medical personnel, attorneys, and forensic professionals. She has also consulted on hundreds of child injury and death cases and has testified in state and federal courts throughout the United States.