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Citation |
deRoux S, Leffers B. J. Forensic Sci. 2009; 54(6): 1453-1455. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2009, American Society for Testing and Materials, Publisher John Wiley and Sons) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
19737336 |
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Abstract |
The most recent U.S. statistics (2005) determined that 22.2% of suicides are by suffocation. This number likely includes suicidal hanging. Based on previous reports the majority of nonhanging suicidal asphyxiations are accomplished by securing a plastic bag over the head. We report two instances of a far less common method of suicidal asphyxiation, occlusion of the nose and mouth by duct tape. One was a 47-year-old man with a history of paranoid schizophrenia with suicidal ideation and the other was a 52-year-old man who was depressed due to gambling debts. The value of scene investigation, including review of available video surveillance to determine the manner of death is highlighted. Language: en |
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Keywords |
Airway Obstruction; Asphyxia; Forensic Medicine; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth; Nose; Suicide |