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Unusual cases of suicidal electrocution using a homemade device
Med Amin Mesrati1, Yosra Mahjoub1, Marwa Boussaïd1
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Taher Sfar Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia.
The Medico-Legal Journal
|July 21, 2021
Summary
Suicide by electrocution using homemade devices is rare. This report details two cases where individuals used readily available electrical materials to cause death by electrocution.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Electrical Engineering
- Toxicology
Background:
- Common suicide methods include hanging and poisoning.
- Suicidal electrocution is an uncommon method of suicide.
- Individuals who attempt suicide by electrocution often have electrical knowledge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two rare cases of suicide by electrocution.
- To highlight the use of homemade devices in fatal electrocution.
- To document the forensic findings in cases of suicidal electrocution.
Main Methods:
- Case report analysis.
- Forensic autopsy and microscopic examination.
- Death scene investigation, necropsy, histological, and toxicological tests.
Main Results:
- Two cases of suicide by electrocution using homemade devices were documented.
- Case 1 involved a retired electrical technician using wires connected to a 220 V outlet.
- Case 2 involved a 51-year-old man using wires connected to a 220 V outlet.
Conclusions:
- Homemade devices can be used for fatal electrocution.
- Electrical knowledge may be a factor in such suicides.
- Forensic investigation is crucial for determining cause of death in electrocution cases.