Autopsy findings of suicidal hanging in Mugla, Turkey.

Introduction: External and internal autopsy findings of suicidal hanging were evaluated retrospectively in Mugla, Turkey. The relations between macroscopic autopsy findings and age, gender, nature of the ligature, position of the knot, and the ligature marks were assessed. The aim of this study was to describe autopsy findings of the hangings and discuss the regional differences. Method: The reports of 175 hanging autopsies between 2013 to 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Macroscopic external and internal findings were evaluated and compared statistically. Results: Among the 2534 autopsies, the cause of death was suicide by hanging in 175 cases (6.9%). The male-to-female ratio was 3:1, 76%(n = 133) of the cases were male, 24% (n = 42) were female, the mean age was 44.9(SD = 19.3) years. Suicide by hanging was most prevalent in the 25-44 age group and among men. Complete hanging was more common than incomplete hanging, and softer materials were more commonly used in incomplete hangings. Females utilized soft materials more than males. Males used atypical hanging more than females. Bilateral hemorrhage in the neck muscles was more common with typical hanging. There was a significant relationship between tongue protrusion and hemorrhage at the clavicular head of sternocleidomastoid muscle. Conclusion: In this study, which includes a large series, some regional and gender differences were observed. Careful and detailed macroscopic examination was important to diagnose antemortem vitality findings.

Mole guns in Turkey in 2003-2005.

This study describes the frequency of mole guns in Turkey by examining the cases sent to the Council of Forensic Medicine of Turkey between 2003 and 2005. In total, 11 mole guns were examined. Mole guns are manufactured to be used as a trap against detrimental animals. Although they are not meant to be used as a firearm, they are able to cause death. Mole guns appearing in regular casework were evaluated in terms of type of the gun, number of barrels, size and caliber, rifling, design, mechanism, fitness for use, legality, and geographical distribution. Ninety-one percent of the guns were 12 gauge. Most commonly they originate from Inner Anatolia. Mole guns are typically handmade. Some examples of injuries and deaths caused by mole guns are also offered.