Suicidal Strangulation by Ligature : Three Case Reports.

Korean J Leg Med. 2005 May;29(1):69-74. Korean.

Department of Forensic Medicine, Central District Office, National Institute of Scientific Investigation, Korea. isyme8549@empal.com

Suicidal strangulation by ligature (so-called self-strangulation) is distinctly uncommon. It is distinct from self-suspension in cases of hanging, the latter being a far more common form of suicide. Suicidal strangulation by ligature must be separated from homicidal strangulation by ligature. But clear distinction between the homicidal and suicidal strangulation by ligature is often impossible on the basis of the anatomical findings alone, although fractures of the larynx in suicidal strangulations are distinctly unusual. An accurate evaluation of circumstances, a thorough post-mortem examination, and inspection of the scene are extremely important in such cases. It is equally important to examine the type of noose and knot as well as the number of turns around the neck. We reports three cases of suicidal strangulation by ligature with brief review of literature.

Key Word : Asphyxia, Ligature strangulation, Suicide