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Manners of killing and rituals in Apulian mafia murders.
- Source :
-
Journal of forensic sciences [J Forensic Sci] 2009 Jul; Vol. 54 (4), pp. 895-9. Date of Electronic Publication: 2009 May 26. - Publication Year :
- 2009
-
Abstract
- The Apulian (South of Italy) territory saw the birth of a criminal organization called Sacra Corona Unita (SCU, United Holy Crown) which transformed the rules of traditional mafia organizations. This work examined 83 victims of the SCU between 1980 and 2000. The bodies were mainly of SCU members and in some cases, of police and law enforcement officers and other citizens caught in the crossfire. Some of these were discovered; thanks to the collaboration of "repented" SCU members who became police informers. The condition of the bodies varied in relation to the date and manner of killing. In some cases anthropometric research methods were necessary. In 73% of the cases, lesions of the head were the only marks left on the body. In conclusion, the existence of some social aspects connected with the symbolisms and membership rites that characterized the origin, evolution, and decline of the SCU is stressed.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Burial
Burns pathology
Culture
Explosive Agents
Female
Fractures, Comminuted pathology
Head Injuries, Penetrating pathology
Humans
Italy
Male
Middle Aged
Patella injuries
Tattooing
Trinitrotoluene
Wounds, Gunshot pathology
Wounds, Nonpenetrating pathology
Ceremonial Behavior
Homicide
Violence
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1556-4029
- Volume :
- 54
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of forensic sciences
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 19486252
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01068.x