Characterization of cases of exhumations and legal autopsies in the Fiscal District of Cajamarca, years 2008-2012

Abstract

This study statistically analyzes violent and non-violent deaths in exhumations and forensic autopsies in the Fiscal District of Cajamarca (2008-2012). A total of 27 cases were reviewed from 1,280 (2.109% of the project). In 2009, the highest rate of requirements was recorded with 15 cases (56.00%), and in 2012, the lowest with 01 case (4.00%). The Provincial Mixed Prosecutor's Office-Bolívar led as the requesting authority with 10 cases (37.00%), while several entities had the lowest rate, each with 01 case (4.00%). Regarding gender, the highest rate was in men with 21 cases (78.00%), undetermined with 01 case (4.00%), and women with 05 cases (4.00%). The time range of 04-07 months and 08-07 months had the highest rate in the approximate time of death, each with 07 cases (26.00%), and the ranges of 05-10 years and 41-50 years had the lowest rate, each with 01 case (3.50%). The age group of 21-30 years led with 06 cases (22.00%), and the ranges of 51-60 years, 71-80 years, and 111-120 years had the lowest rate, each with 01 case (4.00%). The occupation of farmer had the highest rate with 14 cases (52.00%), and domestic employee and automotive mechanic had the lowest rate, each with 01 case (4.00%). The provinces of Cajamarca and Bolívar led in the place of occurrence with 10 cases each (37.00%), and the provinces of San Marcos, Santa Cruz, and Cajabamba had the lowest rate, each with 1 case (4.00%). September led in presentation with 06 cases (22.00%), and the months of February, March, April, May, August, and November had the lowest rate, each with 01 case (4.00%). The cause "Unknown due to Advanced State of Organic Decomposition" had the highest rate with 16 cases (59.00%), and poisoning by carbon monoxide, mechanical asphyxiation-strangulation, and intoxication by an unspecified chemical substance had the lowest rate, each with 01 case (4.00%). "Advanced State of Organic Decomposition" led in the agent with 16 cases (60.00%), and carbon monoxide, constricting element around the neck, and chemical substance had the lowest rate, each with 1 case (4.00%). In the chemical-toxicological test, "Amines due to Decomposition" led with 85.00%, and chemical substance and carbon monoxide had the lowest rate, each with 1 case (4.00%).