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Suspected paradoxical undressing in a homicide case
Mattias Kettner1, Axel Schnabel, Frank Ramsthaler
1Institute of Forensic Medicine, Goethe University Medical School, 60594, Frankfurt, Germany. Mattias.Kettner@gmx.de
Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology
|May 31, 2012
Summary
Paradoxical undressing, often linked to hypothermia, was investigated in a homicide case. Autopsy revealed the victim died from asphyxia and blood loss, not cold exposure, leading to a conviction.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Paradoxical undressing is a rare phenomenon linked to severe hypothermia.
- It involves active undressing due to peripheral vasodilation in cold environments.
Observation:
- A naked 51-year-old man was found deceased with scattered clothing and bloodstains.
- Forensic autopsy was conducted to determine the cause of death.
Findings:
- The autopsy revealed craniofacial dissociation, thoracic and extremity injuries.
- Cause of death was asphyxia from blood aspiration and external blood loss.
- No signs of hypothermia or relevant toxicological findings were present.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of differentiating between hypothermia and homicide.
- The investigation confirmed the death as a homicide, not a paradoxical undressing fatality.
- The perpetrator confessed to assaulting the victim and forcing him to undress in a humiliation scenario.
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