Journal de médecine légale

Autopsy Findings against Media Reports: An Emerging Paradox in Developing Countries

Abstract

Ossei Paul Poku Sampene and Agyeman-Duah Eric

Africans, especially Ghanaians, do rely on media reportage than autopsy or police findings in alleged murder or homicide cases. An autopsy finding has numerous benefits of which finding the actual cause of death is paramount. However, most findings are met with public displeasure especially when it is not in line with media reports made earlier. The study review such incidence of which the deceased was reported to have been beaten and dragged on the street which resulted in his demise. Some media reports claimed that the deceased sustained multiple Taser bodily burns and other injuries which include rib fractures, head injury and bodily lacerations at time of reportage. The autopsy findings were polar to the media report. The immediate cause of death was congestive heart failure which was triggered by asymptomatic chronic massive congestion and enlargement of the liver, lungs and the spleen (mechanism of death). The inveterate nature of these condition rules out all suspected foul play or assault. The absence of external or internal marks of violence further validate that the death was natural and not homicide.