Asphyxial deaths due to hanging in children

A review of the records for five years from the Coroner's Offices of Marion County, Indiana and Franklin County, Ohio, which have a combined population of 2.4 million, yielded 12 cases of hanging deaths in children 13 years of age or younger. The age range was 2 1/2 to 13 years and only two of the 12 victims were female. There were three unequivocal suicides, five accidental deaths and four cases where, despite extensive investigation, the manner of death remained undetermined. The scene and autopsy findings are presented and the cases discussed with regard to determination of manner of death. Additionally, the significance and pathophysiology of petechiae are discussed.