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[Suicide by electrocution--2 case reports].
Slobodan Nikolić1, Zoran Mihailović, Jelena Micić
1Institute of Forensic Medicine, University School of Medicine, Belgrade. bobanvladislav@yahoo.com
Srpski Arhiv Za Celokupno Lekarstvo
|July 2, 2004
Summary
Suicides by electrocution are rare but identifiable through specific autopsy findings and case circumstances. This report details two distinct cases of fatal electrocution suicides, highlighting methods and contributing factors.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Suicides by electrocution are uncommon, necessitating thorough investigation to distinguish from accidental or homicidal deaths.
- Autopsy findings, including characteristic electrical injury marks and exclusion of other causes, are crucial for determining manner of death.
Observation:
- Two cases of suicidal electrocution are presented: a 32-year-old male using an electrical cord and a 46-year-old female using a hairdryer in a bathtub.
- The male case involved direct application of an electrical cord to the wrists.
- The female case, linked to domestic abuse, involved submersion of an electrical appliance in bathwater.
Findings:
- Specific external lesions at current entry/exit points aid in identifying electrocution.
- Autopsy findings, combined with police investigation and circumstantial evidence, are key to resolving the manner of death.
- The presented cases illustrate different methods employed in suicidal electrocutions.
Implications:
- Understanding these rare cases improves forensic investigation techniques for electrocution deaths.
- Recognizing patterns in suicidal electrocution can aid in suicide prevention strategies.
- This study emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach combining autopsy, scene investigation, and victim history.