Citation

Viero A, Cecchetto G, Boscolo-Berto R, Viel G, Montisci M. J. Forensic Sci. 2015; 61(1): 268-270.

Affiliation

Legal Medicine and Toxicology, Department of Cardiological, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University-Hospital of Padova, Via Falloppio, 50, 35121, Padova, Italy.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, American Society for Testing and Materials, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1556-4029.12891

PMID

26248524

Abstract

Asphyxial deaths are common in forensic practice, being sustained by a variety of mechanisms that cause an oxygen deficiency to the brain. Several classification models have been proposed in the literature, the most recent one being that of the International Network for Forensic Research Group (INFOR). This report describes an unusual case of suffocation where the obstruction of the airways was caused by a gag formed of three latex gloves and a handkerchief. The manner of death (differential diagnosis between homicide and suicide) and the different alternatives of classification are discussed.

Language: en