Patterns and Trends of Homicide Cases Autopsied at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Visakhapatnam: A Retrospective Study (2023–2024)

Homicide is defined as the killing of one human being by another which continues to evolve with modern methods, though its underlying causes remain rooted in longstanding social and psychological factors. This retrospective inquest, hospital and autopsy records based study aimed to identify the patterns and trends of homicidal deaths among cases subjected to autopsy at Andhra Medical College/King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam, during the years 2023–2024. Among the 3779 autopsies conducted in two years, data from a total of 44 homicide cases (1.16%) were analysed. The majority of victims were in the 30–39 years age group (n=14). Males constituted 31 cases, while females accounted for 13 cases. Of the 31 cases with available data on the accused, most perpetrators (n=12) were between 20–29 years of age. Most homicides were premeditated and occurred during nighttime hours, with the accused often being known to the victim. The majority of victims were young, employed or self-employed males from urban backgrounds. Blunt force injuries accounted for more deaths than sharp force injuries, with head injury being the predominant cause of death. The study endorses the fact that interpersonal relationships, familiarity between victim and offender, and the use of blunt force remain key factors influencing homicidal deaths in and around Visakhapatnam city.