Suicidal Smothering by Means of Multiple Loops of Adhesive Tape: A case Report.
- Author:
Sang Yong LEE
1
;
Gi Yeong HUH
;
Kwang Hoon KIM
;
Kwang Hyun KIM
;
Sang Pil OH
Author Information
1. Institute of Forensic Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Korea. isyme8549@empal.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Suicide;
Smothering
- MeSH:
Adhesives*;
Adult;
Animals;
Autopsy;
Female;
Head;
Humans;
Mice;
Mouth;
Neck;
Nose;
Suicide;
Wind
- From:Korean Journal of Legal Medicine
2007;31(1):85-88
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Suicidal smothering is distinctly uncommon, especially when caused by winding strips of adhesive tape around the head to cover the nose and mouth. The authors report a very unusual case in which the deceased, a 43-year-old woman, was found with gray adhesive tape wrapped 8 times around the head and strictly obstructed nose and mouse and 2 times around neck. Clear distinction between the homicidal and suicidal smothering by means of multiple loops of adhesive tape is often impossible on the basis of the anatomical findings alone. An accurate evaluation of circumstances, a thorough post-mortem examination, inspection of the scene are extremely important in such cases. We reports a case of suicidal smothering by means of multiple loops of adhesive tape with brief review of literature.
