Which of the following is a potential indicator of struggle in a death investigation?

In a death investigation, signs of defensive wounds are a significant indicator of a struggle. Defensive wounds typically occur when an individual attempts to protect themselves from an aggressor, illustrating an active confrontation. These wounds are often found on areas of the body that are commonly used to shield vital regions, such as the forearms, hands, and face. The presence of such injuries suggests that the victim fought back or attempted to evade an attack, providing critical insight into the nature of the incident.

While personal items can provide context about the victim or the scene, and the location of the body can indicate various circumstances surrounding the death, these elements do not specifically signify any confrontation or struggle. Similarly, witness accounts can offer valuable information, but they rely on external perspectives and may not provide direct physical evidence of a fight. Therefore, the presence of defensive wounds stands out as the most telling sign of a struggle during an investigation.