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Autoerotic asphyxial death--accident or suicide?
1State Forensic Science, Adelaide, Australia. rbyard@mad.adelaide.edu.au
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|January 14, 1999
Summary
Autoerotic asphyxia deaths are often accidental, but this study highlights that suicide must be considered. Even typical autoerotic asphyxia cases may conceal suicidal intent.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Toxicology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Autoerotic asphyxia (AA) deaths are frequently classified as accidental, often attributed to equipment malfunction during sexual arousal.
- However, distinguishing between accidental AA and suicide can be challenging due to overlapping characteristics.
Observation:
- This report details two hanging cases with features suggestive of autoerotic asphyxia.
- In one case, a suicide note was discovered; the other lacked certain typical AA indicators.
Findings:
- The presence of a suicide note and atypical features prevented classifying these deaths as purely accidental.
- These findings challenge the default assumption of accidentality in all apparent AA cases.
Implications:
- Forensic investigators must consider suicide as a potential cause of death in cases exhibiting autoerotic asphyxia behaviors.
- A thorough investigation, including psychological and contextual factors, is crucial even when features appear typical for accidental AA.