Episode 5: Not Quite a Homicide
The Case That Wasn’t: A Forensic Tale from Dr. Roland Kohr
Welcome to another gripping episode of Kohroner Chronicles with Dr. Roland Kohr, where the line between science and mystery often blurs. In this episode, we delve into a fascinating case that demonstrates how initial appearances can be deceiving and how the meticulous application of forensic science can reveal the unexpected.
Dr. Kohr opens by emphasizing a fact often overlooked in the sensationalized portrayals of forensic work: homicides account for only about five percent of a forensic pathologist’s practice. Yet, it is often with other cases that initially seem to be homicides can turn out to be something entirely different that challenges the skills and expertise of forensic professionals.
One such case unfolded, involving a homeless man whose death initially appeared to be the result of foul play. The story began on a pleasant spring morning when the man, who had been residing at a local homeless shelter, volunteered to sort bricks at a nearby building demolition site to earn some pocket money. After starting to feel unwell, he decided to return to the shelter, taking an alleyway route. He was later discovered unresponsive by a teenager on a dirt bike, whose suspicious actions—failing to assist and instead alerting others before riding away—added an air of mystery.
The man was transported to a local hospital in a comatose state and passed away a few hours later without regaining consciousness. Upon initial examination, he had multiple bruises, abrasions, and unusual burns on the backs of his thighs, as well as prominent blunt force trauma to his head and upper extremities. Given these findings, the Terre Haute Police Department launched a full-scale homicide investigation, assigning multiple detectives to the case. Meanwhile, Dr. Kohr was out of town attending a coroner conference, leaving the autopsy to be done by the hospital’s pathology team, who classified the death as a homicide based on their findings.
When Dr. Kohr returned, he was briefed on the case and asked to examine the body. His experience and keen eye for detail quickly identified a crucial clue: a distinctive circular bruise encircling the man’s upper arm, resembling the imprint of a blood pressure cuff. This led Dr. Kohr to investigate why such a minor medical procedure had caused such significant bruising. He discovered that the man’s blood tests revealed severely abnormal clotting factors, which explained his exaggerated bruising and pointed to a condition called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
But the question remained: what had triggered the DIC? As Dr. Kohr dug deeper, he found the answer in the man’s medical chart. Upon admission, the man’s body temperature was recorded at a staggering 105 degrees Fahrenheit, a life-threatening condition typically associated with severe infections. However, the autopsy revealed no signs of infection, such as pneumonia or meningitis, leaving Dr. Kohr to explore other possibilities.
The ultimate cause of death? The Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. an unusual complication of a medicine he was receiving. This caused the elevated temperature, which in turn, triggered the DIC and subsequent systemic collapse. The bruises and burns that initially suggested violence were instead the unfortunate byproducts of his underlying medical condition and treatment.
This case highlights the complexity and nuance of forensic pathology. It powerfully reminds us that not all deaths are as they first appear and that the truth often lies in the smallest details—details that only a trained and inquisitive mind like Dr. Kohr’s can uncover.
Yet, it is often other cases that challenge the skills and expertise of forensic professionals. That which initially seems to be a homicide can turn out to be something entirely different. For more compelling stories from the world of forensic science, stay tuned to Kohroner Chronicles.