Forensic Reconstruction of a Fatal Stair-Related Fall Using Postmortem CT, Photogrammetry, and Virtual Reality: A Case Report

TL;DR

This case report shows how combining 3D imaging, CT scans, and virtual reality can help reconstruct a fatal fall from stairs, aiding forensic investigations.

Contribution

The novel integration of postmortem CT, photogrammetry, and VR for forensic reconstruction of a stair-related fall is demonstrated.

Findings

The reconstructed 3D scene showed clear spatial relationships between stair edges and injury sites.

Vertical distances between injuries matched staircase step depth, supporting the fall interpretation.

The method provided an intuitive understanding of injury mechanisms for forensic and legal professionals.

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) documentation is increasingly being utilized in forensic investigations to record injuries and reconstruct crime scenes accurately. Although photogrammetry offers a low-cost and accessible method for capturing surface details, its integration with postmortem CT (PMCT) data and virtual reality (VR) can further enhance spatial understanding. We report a fatal case of a stair-related fall of a man in his 70s, in which we visualized the injuries by combining PMCT data with surface models of the body and the staircase. A 3D model of the bones was created from the PMCT data, whereas surface models of the body and staircase were generated using photogrammetry. The reconstructed scene was visualized in VR using a MetaQuest 3 headset. The reconstructed scene clearly demonstrated the spatial relationship between the stair edges and injury sites, such as the occipital region, midthoracic spine, and sacrum. The vertical distances between the injuries closely matched the staircase step depth, supporting the interpretation of stair-related falls. This method provides an intuitive and immersive understanding of injury mechanisms. Our approach demonstrates the feasibility and utility of integrating CT, photogrammetry, and VR in forensic death investigations, offering enhanced documentation and visualization that can benefit not only forensic experts but also legal professionals and juries.

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