A person is found dead at the edge of a cliff with a weapon tightly grasped in their hand. The weapon cannot be pried loose without breaking the fingers. This phenomenon is called:

• A Rigor mortis
• B Cold stiffening
• C Heat stiffening
• D Cadaveric spasm ✓

Explanation

Cadaveric spasm (instantaneous rigor) occurs at the moment of death without a primary flaccidity period. It is seen in cases of sudden death, extreme emotional stress, or violent exertion, and typically affects only a group of muscles (like hands grasping a weapon). Unlike rigor mortis, it does not pass through stages and cannot be broken without tissue damage. Rigor mortis develops 1-2 hours after death and affects all muscles.

Reference: Reddy's Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 34th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.