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Hanging disguised as bondage: accidental or suicidal death?
Alberto Alongi1, Chiara Stassi1, Cristina Mondello2
1Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology
|June 5, 2020
Summary
Autoerotic asphyxiation, the practice of inducing cerebral hypoxia for arousal, can lead to accidental death or suicide. This case report examines the ambiguous nature of such deaths and discusses management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Sexual Medicine
Background:
- Autoerotic asphyxiation involves inducing cerebral hypoxia for sexual arousal, with risks of accidental death or suicide.
- Distinguishing between accidental death and suicide in autoerotic asphyxiation cases presents diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A case of a 34-year-old male practitioner of autoerotic asphyxiation found deceased in his apartment is presented.
- The scene involved bondage-like ligatures and masking, complicating the determination of the act's intent.
Findings:
- The circumstances surrounding the death raised questions about whether it was accidental or intentional suicide.
- Analysis of the case highlights the difficulties in forensic investigation of autoerotic asphyxiation fatalities.
Implications:
- Proper case management requires careful consideration of both accidental and suicidal motives.
- Literature review and comparative analysis are crucial for understanding and managing autoerotic asphyxiation deaths.