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Homicidal asphyxia.

V J DiMaio1

  • 1Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Bexar County, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA. dimaio@co.bexar.tx.us

The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|March 30, 2000
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Asphyxial homicides, though uncommon, were primarily caused by strangulation. Ligature strangulation was most frequent, with petechiae common, while manual strangulation showed distinct fracture patterns in males.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Pathology
  • Medical Toxicology
  • Criminalistics

Background:

  • Homicides resulting from asphyxia are infrequent but present unique forensic challenges.
  • Understanding the specific mechanisms and characteristics of asphyxial homicides is crucial for investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the presentation and characteristics of homicides due to asphyxia.
  • To identify patterns and differences between various asphyxial mechanisms in homicide cases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of homicide cases from the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office (1985-1998).
  • Categorization of asphyxial deaths based on mechanism: ligature strangulation, manual strangulation, suffocation, choking, and others.
  • Documentation of physical findings such as petechiae and fractures.

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Main Results:

  • Ligature strangulation (48 cases) and manual strangulation (41 cases) were the most common forms.
  • Petechiae were observed in 86% of ligature strangulation and 89% of manual strangulation cases.
  • Suffocation predominantly affected young children (< or =2 years), with rare petechiae. Fractures were more common in manual strangulation, especially in males.

Conclusions:

  • Strangulation is the leading cause of asphyxial homicide, with distinct physical markers like petechiae and fractures.
  • Suffocation presents differently, particularly in infants and young children.
  • Rape was a significant motive in strangulation homicides involving female victims.