Citation

Palmiere C, Risso E, van Hecke O, La Harpe R. Med. Sci. Law 2007; 47(3): 269-273.

Affiliation

Institut Universitaire de Medecine Legale, 9 avenue de Champel, 1211 Geneve. Cristian.Palmiere@hcuge.ch

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, British Academy of Forensic Sciences, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1258/rsmmsl.47.3.269

PMID

17725243

Abstract

In cases of ligature strangulation, the importance of distinguishing self-inflicted death from homicide is crucial. This entails objective scene investigation, autopsy and anamnesis in order to elucidate the manner of death correctly. The authors report a case of unplanned complex suicide by means of self-strangulation and multiple sharp force injury. The use of more than one suicide method, consecutively--termed unplanned complex suicide--gives this case particular significance. A brief discussion on this uncommon method of suicide is presented, particularly relevant to the attending forensic physician. In addition, a short overview of the entity of complex suicide is given.

Language: en