TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2017//
TI  - When a suicide becomes a forensic enigma: the role of hanging marks and tools of suspension
JO  - Medico-legal journal, The
A1  - Gratteri, Santo
A1  - Ricci, Pietrantonio
A1  - Tarzia, Pietro
A1  - Fineschi, Vittorio
A1  - Sacco, Matteo A.
A1  - Aquila, Isabella
SP  - 141
EP  - 144
VL  - 85
IS  - 3
N2  - Death by hanging is asphyxiation when the body is suspended by means of a ligature. Most deaths by hanging are suicides, though occasionally they are accidental or a homicidal event. The characteristics of the hanging marks depend on the ligature used, the dynamics and on the node position with respect to the neck. When the crime scene is contaminated, the hanging mark must be checked with the type of suspension and ligatures used to establish how the hangings took place. We report on 20 cases (2013-2016) where the bodies were moved at or from the crime scene. We analysed the features of hanging marks, the tools of suspension and the ligatures employed in each case. Judicial inspections and an external examination were also carried out. Analysis of hanging marks enables the pathologist to clarify the manner of death and the type of hanging, and tools used especially where the crime scene has been contaminated and the body has been moved.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0025-8172
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0025817217694528
ID  - ref1
ER  -