Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: The death of José Martí in Dos Ríos (1895) is controversial. Theories include his being targeted, suicide, military pride, or being finished off after falling wounded. Objective: To describe hypotheses, historical facts, and analyze medical reports from a current forensic perspective. Methods: A narrative review of 22 sources (1895-2023) from the National Archives, SciELO, MedlinePlus, LILACS, Google Scholar, and books. MeSH terms used: Autopsy, Cadaver, Death Certificate, Exhumation, History. Inclusion criteria were applied, prioritizing official documents, forensic analyses, and historical studies. Results: Two hypotheses: direct death in combat from three gunshot wounds while riding (supported by official documents and biomechanical analysis) versus death by being finished off (uncorroborated testimony of Antonio Oliva). The death certificate describes wounds to the chest, neck, and right leg, without internal trajectories. The exhumations confirmed fractures of the tibia and fibula, but the viscera were lost. Analysis by Cobo Abreu and Vento Canosa supports direct death, but limitations prevent a definitive conclusion. Conclusions: The 1895 forensic examinations were incomplete (partial autopsy, loss of viscera, lack of chain of custody). The evidence favors direct death, but is not conclusive. Future studies using images of skeletal remains and searches in Spanish archives could resolve the case. This underscores the forensic pathologist's responsibility to history and the importance of a thorough forensic examination.
Source: MedEst
Institution: Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Guantánamo
Language: Spanish
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220764852