Citation

Kanchan T, Atreya A, Krishan K. Med. Leg. J. 2019; 87(2): 94-96.

Affiliation

Department of Anthropology, (Centre for Advanced Studies in Anthropology) Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Medico-Legal Society, Publisher SAGE Publications)

DOI

10.1177/0025817219830598

PMID

31107160

Abstract

Examination of skeletonised remains for the cause and manner of death is a highly challenging task for forensic experts. We report an unusual case of postmortem decapitation following hanging with the presence of a well-preserved ligature mark in the partially skeletonised body. Careful death scene investigation, interpretation of circumstantial evidence and meticulous autopsy provided information on the cause and manner of death.

Language: en

Keywords

Hanging; adipocere; decapitation; ligature; suicide