"Tentative" injuries in a homicide.

A homicide caused by blunt trauma to the neck and head is reported. On the left side of the victim's neck were multiple superficial cuts that ran parallel to deeper ones that appeared to be the typical pattern of tentative or hesitation injuries. Further information on the perpetration of the crime could not be obtained from the offender, but it must be assumed that the cuts were made after the victim had already been knocked unconscious by blows or kicks. The considerable blood alcohol concentration of the perpetrator and the rather reduced sharpness of the serrated kitchen knife used probably contributed to the development of these injuries.