Cocaine metabolite detection in homicide victims

Article Abstract:

The prevalence of cocaine use was analyzed among homicide victims in Fulton Country, Georgia during 1989. Blood was preserved and tested using the enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique, which detects cocaine's major metabolite, benzoylecgonine (BZE). Eighty-one percent of 275 victims were tested; 40 percent were positive for BZE. Results were confirmed with gas chromatography or mass spectrometry. Blacks and victims of gunshot wounds were much more likely to test positive than were whites and victims of injuries not caused by firearms. Although motives were not a part of this study, cocaine is reported to increase aggression, irrationality, and violence. In addition, robbery, revenge for unpaid debts, and anger over poor drug quality or fraud may all lead to homicide. In a separate study of homicide victims from 1985 through 1989, the proportion of BZE-positive victims increased each year, from 20 percent in 1985, to 48 percent in 1989. Physicians, emergency personnel, and police who treat assault victims must be made aware of the potential for cocaine withdrawal or intoxication, which may complicate treatment by causing complications involving the heart or circulatory system, delirium, agitation, fever, seizures, blood glucose abnormalities, and numerous other symptoms. The association between cocaine use and homicide, firearms, and race require further investigation. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Social aspects, Risk factors, Firearms, Cocaine abuse, Victims of crimes, Crime victims, Homicide, Drug testing

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Medical examiner and coroner systems: history and trends

Article Abstract:

There has been a trend in the US to replace coroners with medical examiners, but many states still have no medical examiners. A coroner is a layperson who relies on medical personnel in the forensic examination whereas a medical examiner is a physician who is often trained in pathology and forensics. A survey of 79 county medical examiners found that only 22 states have completely replaced coroners with medical examiners throughout the state. Overall, medical examiners who operate without coroner involvement serve only half of the US population.

Statistics, Medical examiners (Law)

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Coroner training needs: a numeric and geographic analysis

Article Abstract:

It should be feasible to train all newly elected coroners. Coroners are laypeople who investigate deaths and are usually elected to office. However, a survey of states that have coroners indicated that only 7 states have mandated training programs for coroners. Four other states require coroners to be physicians and 3 states are considering mandated training. There should be an estimated 159 to 1,546 newly elected coroners each year, which is a small enough number to be adequately trained by state-specific programs as well as national programs.

Training

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