A body recovered from a pond has clumps of pond weed and sand tightly clenched in both fists, requiring force to open the fingers. What does this finding establish?
- A Antemortem drowning, because cadaveric spasm grips objects held at the moment of death ✓
- B Postmortem submersion with passive collection of debris
- C Homicide with staging of the scene to mimic drowning
- D Seizure disorder as the cause of collapse into the water
Correct answer: A. Antemortem drowning, because cadaveric spasm grips objects held at the moment of death
Explanation
Cadaveric spasm is instantaneous rigor affecting the whole body at the moment of death, without a preceding primary flaccidity. It fixes the last voluntary act, so a firm grasp of weeds, sand or mud indicates the person was alive and struggling in water at the time of death. It cannot be produced artificially and is therefore a strong sign of antemortem drowning. Postmortem debris settles loosely in the palms and is easily dislodged.
Reference: Parikh's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 7th ed.
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