Frecuencia y caracterización de métodos de homicidio registrados en la Oficina Técnica Forense Lago Agrio, 2016 – 2020

Abstract

Background: From a medicolegal perspective, homicide is a serious social problem that exerts its direct effect on the population, understood as a phenomenon, only the study of its characteristics would allow us to understand its behavior in the community. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and characterization of homicide methods registered at the Lago Agrio Forensic Technical Office, 2016 - 2020. Methodology: The research was carried out with a quantitative, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective approach. It was carried out at the Lago Agrio Forensic Technical Office, with a universe of 192 files, corresponding to registered homicides. The study variables were sociodemographic, criminalistic or forensic, and forensic medicine. Using descriptive statistics, the results were obtained. Results: Homicide affected more individuals between 18 and 50 years of age (74.48%), men (83.85%), Ecuadorians (84.38%), singles (68.75%). Those perpetrated with a firearm (52.6%) predominated. There were no signs of seasonality in the monthly distribution of homicides, however, night hours (52.21%) and public areas (59.38%) were preferred at crime scenes. Multiple injuries predominated for each method of homicide except asphyxiation, while the anatomical regions affected varied according to the weapon used in the crime. Conclusions: It was possible to determine the frequency and characteristics of homicide methods, providing elements that can consolidate intervention strategies in the population.