Masking and bondage in suicidal hanging: a case report

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Toxicology
• DNA Analysis

Background:

• A 35-year-old male was discovered deceased outdoors, suspended by a ligature.
• The deceased's head and face were partially covered by a vest, and his hands were loosely bound.

Observation:

• A vest was intentionally placed between the ligature and the neck, functioning as a makeshift padding device.
• Scene and post-mortem examinations revealed no indications of external struggle or third-party involvement.
• DNA profiling confirmed that the vest and a handkerchief found at the scene were property of the deceased.

Findings:

• The circumstances, including the use of a vest as padding and the absence of foul play indicators, strongly suggested suicide.
• The investigation differentiated this case from typical autoerotic asphyxiation scenarios often associated with bondage.
• Genetic evidence corroborated the deceased's ownership of key items, reinforcing the suicide conclusion.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of thorough scene investigation and post-mortem analysis in determining the manner of death.
• It underscores the need to consider suicide even in cases with elements that might superficially resemble other forms of asphyxial death.
• The utility of DNA analysis in forensic investigations is demonstrated for property attribution and exclusion of third-party involvement.