이상동기 살인사건에서 경부 예기 손상의 법의학적·해부학적 사례 분석

Abnormal motive homicide refers to a killing driven by irrational, non-goal-directed motives that deviate from social and ethical norms. This report presents a rare case of abnormal motive homicide in Korea, detailing the medico-legal and anatomical characteristics of fatal cervical sharp-force injuries. A 60-year-old woman was found lying supine on a mountain trail with multiple sharp-force wounds. Bloodstain pattern analysis demonstrated extensive pooling and transfer patterns consistent with on-site exsanguination without any post-injury displacement of the body. External examination revealed numerous incised and stab wounds concentrated in the anterior and lateral cervical regions, along with defensive injuries on the left hand. Autopsy identified extensive sharp-force trauma, including complete transection of the trachea and esophagus and bilateral lacerations of the carotid and jugular vessels, confirming death by exsanguination due to catastrophic cervical injury. Judicial records revealed that the perpetrator had previously served 15 years for robbery-murder and reoffended four months after release amid untreated paranoid schizophrenia, alcohol dependence, and severe social isolation. The absence of any prior relationship with the victim and the perpetrator’s disorganized, non-instrumental attack pattern substantiate the classification of this case as an abnormal motive homicide. This case underscores the medico-legal significance of sharp-force injuries involving major cervical structures and highlights the necessity for multifaceted preventive strategies, including improved mental health care, enhanced community monitoring systems, and strengthened recidivism-prevention programs. Multidisciplinary research integrating psychological, social, and neurobiological perspectives is further recommended to support evidence-based crime-prevention and public-safety policies.