Korean J Leg Med.  2019 Aug;43(3):111-114. 10.7580/kjlm.2019.43.3.111.

Self-Ligature Strangulation by Utilizing Recliner

• Kim DY
• Lee S

• KMID: 2456274
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7580/kjlm.2019.43.3.111

Abstract

Most cases of ligature strangulation are generally homicides, and deaths due to suicide or accident are rare. We present a very rare case of a man using a recliner sofa as an aid for strangulation. The deceased, a man in his 50s, cut his wrists using an industrial cutter several times and placed his hands into a bathtub containing warm water, which, however, did not lead to death. His suicide attempt through self-ligature strangulation using a recliner in the living room finally resulted in his death. After considering the results of the scene investigation, testimony of the witnesses, and the autopsy findings, the cause of death was determined to be self-ligature strangulation, and wrist incisions were found to be a contributory cause of death.

Keyword

Asphyxia; Suicide; Recliner

MeSH Terms

Asphyxia
Autopsy
Cause of Death
Hand
Homicide
Ligation
Suicide
Water
Wrist
Water

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Deceased individual was found dead on the recliner due to self-ligature strangulation. There was a cutter, cigarette, and many liquor bottles (yellow circle, Fig. 2).

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  Fig. 2. There were a cutter, cigarette, and many liquor bottles on the table in front of the recliner. Various bloodstains including pool, blood into blood, flow pattern, swipe pattern and drip trails were discovered near the recliner and the table.

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  Fig. 3. A slip-knotted (circle) red elastic rope was wrapped around his neck twice. This rope was wrapped around the entire recliner from its back to the leg rest.

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  Fig. 4. The deceased and ligature material. The rope was about 0.7 cm thick and about 6 meters long.

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