Detection of the Knife Tip Fragment on Postmortem Computed Tomography in a Homicide Victim

Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is increasingly used as a noninvasive adjunct to traditional autopsies in forensic pathology. Here, we present a homicide case in which a broken knife tip embedded in the skull was detected using PMCT and subsequently recovered during autopsy. An elderly man was found dead at his workplace with multiple stab wounds on the head, face, and neck. PMCT revealed a high-density, wedge-shaped metallic fragment in the left parietal bone penetrating the cranial cavity. Three-dimensional reconstruction confirmed the morphology and location of fragments. During autopsy, the fragment was retrieved and matched to a knife submitted by the suspect, thereby enabling weapon identification and injury reconstruction. PMCT assists in the assessment of wound trajectories and visualizes other skeletal and soft tissue injuries. This case underscores the value of PMCT in visualizing injuries in situ, preserving postmortem data, and contributing to forensic investigations of sharp-force injuries. These findings support the use of PMCT as a valuable adjunct in determining the cause and manner of death and providing objective visual evidence in legal proceedings.