Child Abuse-Related Homicides in New Mexico: A 6-year Retrospective Review |
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Authors: | Carol K. Lee M.D. F.R.C.P.C. Sarah L. Lathrop D.V.M. Ph.D. |
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Affiliation: | Office of the Medical Investigator, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. |
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Abstract: | Abstract: We retrospectively reviewed autopsy records at a statewide medical examiner's office in order to identify and characterize deaths due to child abuse. In a 6-year period in New Mexico, the medical examiner investigated 45 deaths determined to be child abuse-related. Decedents were predominantly male (68.9%), Hispanic White (53.3%), and all were 5 years of age or younger, with a median age of 1 year. Head injuries were the most common cause of death (44.4%), followed by battered baby syndrome (15.6%). Relatives were involved as alleged perpetrators in 80% of the cases, with the father most often implicated (36.1% of cases), and 88.9% of child abuse injuries resulting in death occurred in the family's residence. Toxicology was positive in 26.7% of cases, but only two cases had substances of abuse present. Information on risk factors such as prematurity, parental age, and history of abuse was also collected. |
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Keywords: | forensic science child abuse homicide toxicology battered baby syndrome domestic violence |
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