Background/Objectives: Overkill is generally defined as violence demonstrably exceeding the force required to cause death, often involving a disproportionate number of inflicted injuries. Typically linked to specific mental states, this phenomenon can serve diverse perpetrator purposes, from expressing sadistic impulses to deliberately contaminating forensic evidence. This study re-examines the historical case of Mary Jane Kelly, the canonical final victim of Jack the Ripper, to offer a historical perspective on extreme violence and its influence on modern forensic frameworks. Methods: We employed a retrospective analysis, combining a systematic literature review with application of the Homicide Injury Scale to documented autopsy findings from 1888. Results: The autopsy revealed systematic post-mortem mutilation following a fatal neck laceration. Application of the Homicide Injury Scale confirmed violence exceeding lethal force. Conclusions: This case represents a foundational example of organized overkill behavior, demonstrating the value of applying modern forensic frameworks to historical cases to inform comprehensive overkill analysis.

Background/Objectives: Traumatic brain injury is one of the leading causes of death and disability. When traumatic brain injury is repeated over time, it can lead to the development of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a chronic neurodegenerative disease commonly observed in individuals who engage in contact sports or military personnel involved in activities with a high risk of repeated head trauma. At autopsy, the examination of the brain reveals regional atrophy, corresponding to high concentrations of glutamate receptors. Microscopically, the primary findings are the deposition of neurofibrillary tangles and neuropil threads. The aim of this study is to highlight the clinical and histopathological characteristics of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, providing diagnostic support to forensic pathologists. Additionally, it seeks to aid in the differential diagnosis of similar conditions. Methods: A review of literature was conducted following the PRISMA criteria. Of 274 articles, 7 were selected. Results: According to these papers, most patients were male and exhibited neurological symptoms and neuropsychiatric impairments, and a proportion of them committed suicide or had aggressive behavior. Conclusions: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy remains largely underdiagnosed during life. The definitive diagnosis of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is established post-mortem through the identification of pathognomonic tauopathy lesions. Early and accurate antemortem recognition, particularly in at-risk individuals, is highly valuable for its differentiation from other neurodegenerative conditions, thereby enabling appropriate clinical management and potential interventions.

Cutaneous electrical marks may provide the principal localized morphological evidence of contact with an electrical conductor, but their histopathological interpretation remains challenging. We investigated the topographical relationship between dermo-epidermal detachment and junction-associated Laminin-Receptor/Ribosomal Protein SA (Laminin-R/RPSA) immunoreactivity in 25 full-thickness skin specimens from documented fatal electrocution cases. Detachment on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was initially classified as present, absent, or equivocal, with discordant or equivocal assessments subsequently adjudicated by a supervising observer. After adjudication, detachment was present in 22 specimens (88%) and absent in three (12%). All 22 specimens with detachment lacked detectable junction-associated Laminin-R/RPSA immunoreactivity at the corresponding interface, whereas all three specimens without detachment retained the signal. All 25 preserved perilesional regions showed retained immunoreactivity. The paired absolute difference in the proportion showing loss of immunoreactivity between lesion and perilesional sites was 88.0 percentage points (95% CI, 55.5–97.5; exact McNemar p < 0.0001). These findings demonstrate a consistent spatial correspondence between dermo-epidermal separation and localized loss of detectable Laminin-R/RPSA immunoreactivity. Because the antibody targets RPSA rather than laminin-332, the results do not directly establish laminin-332 damage. Laminin-R/RPSA immunohistochemistry may complement conventional H&E examination, but controlled comparative studies are required to determine specificity and reproducibility.