A Post-Mortem Medicolegal Study of Violent Asphyxial Deaths - An Autopsy Based Study

Background: The study was conducted in the mortuary of Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital, Jahangir Puri, North-West district, Delhi to determine the frequency and epidemiology of violent asphyxial deaths in that region, in relation to age and gender variation. Duration of study: Autopsies conducted during January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013. Methods: Out of 2479(two thousand four hundred seventy nine) medico legal deaths autopsied at B.J.R.M. Hospital Delhi, during the study period, details were collected for those medico legal deaths identified to be due to violent asphyxial deaths. Results: 219 out of 2479 medico legal deaths were identified to be violent asphyxial deaths, making incidence rate 8.83%. There were 149(68.03%) males and 70(31.97%) females. Male predominance was seen in all asphyxial deaths except manual strangulation and smothering. Hanging and drowning were leading causes of violent asphyxial deaths. Conclusions: This study concludes that immuno-toxicity by cypermethrin insecticide is not similar in male and female subjects.

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

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.

Suicidal Smothering by Means of Multiple Loops of Adhesive Tape: A case Report / 대한법의학회지

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.