Korean Journal of Legal Medicine  2013;37(2):90-92

doi:10.7580/kjlm.2013.37.2.90

Death by Homicidal Smothering Using Hot Steam Towel: A Case Report.

Seon Jung JANG ; Jong Hyeok PARK ; Young Joo KIM ; Suk Hoon HAM ; Na Young JO ; Hongil HA

Keywords

Smothering; Homicide; Exorcism; Towel; Adult

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

An unusual case of homicide of a 21-year-old man who was smothered with a hot steam towel by his mother and a pastoress in the name of exorcism. Homicidal smothering in adults is rare, but does occur when the victims are not capable of defending themselves in situations such as chronic illness, old age, drug intoxication or when restrained by other people. In this case, distinct facial scalding was a clue to smothering with a hot steam towel.