Korean J Leg Med.  2020 Feb;44(1):41-44. 10.7580/kjlm.2020.44.1.41.

Unusual Suicide with Chainsaw: An Autopsy Case Report

• Jung Y
• Jang S
• Park H
• Lee S

• KMID: 2471744
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7580/kjlm.2020.44.1.41

Abstract

In autopsy practice, we encounter case of suicide or murder using various methods or tools. Damage caused by tools such as a knife or hammer is commonly encountered, but a case of damage using a chainsaw is not commonly encountered. We present an autopsy case of a suicide due to neck injury using a chainsaw. A 56-year-old man was found dead with a neck injury and a chainsaw below him. Soft tissue of the neck, thyroid cartilage, trachea, carotid vessels, cervical vertebrae, and cervical spinal cord were found to be cleaved, and a cogwheel-shaped pattern was observed in the injured area.

Keyword

Forensic pathology; Chainsaw; Suicide; Autopsy; Neck injuries

MeSH Terms

Autopsy*
Cervical Cord
Cervical Vertebrae
Female
Forensic Pathology
Homicide
Humans
Middle Aged
Neck
Neck Injuries
Suicide*
Thyroid Cartilage
Trachea

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Multiple parallel abrasions and lacerations on the face.

• 

  Fig. 2 (A) A deep and gaping neck injury involving the anterior and both lateral sides of the neck. Multiple cogwheel-shaped injuries on the skin (B), thyroid cartilage (C), and carotid artery (D).

• 

  Fig. 3 Chainsaw (upper) found under the deceased body and the chainsaw's teeth (lower).

Reference

1. Park JH, Na JY, Lee BW, et al. A statistical analysis on forensic autopsies performed in Korea in 2017. Korean J Leg Med. 2018; 42:111–125.

2. Humphrey JH, Hutchinson DL. Macroscopic characteristics of hacking trauma. J Forensic Sci. 2001; 46:228–233.

3. Tournel G, Dedouit F, Balgairies A, et al. Unusual suicide with a chainsaw. J Forensic Sci. 2008; 53:1174–1177.

4. Gloulou F, Allouche M, Khelil MB, et al. Unusual suicides with band saws: two case reports and a literature review. Forensic Sci Int. 2009; 183:e7–e10.

5. Asano M, Nushida H, Nagasaki Y, et al. Suicide by a circular saw. Forensic Sci Int. 2008; 182:e7–e9.

6. Reuhl J, Bratzke H. Death caused by a chain saw: homicide, suicide or accident? A case report with a literature review (with 11 illustrations). Forensic Sci Int. 1999; 105:45–59.

7. Racette S, Kremer C, Desjarlais A, et al. Suicidal and homicidal sharp force injury: a 5-year retrospective comparative study of hesitation marks and defence wounds. Forensic Sci Med Pathol. 2008; 4:221–227.

8. Stojanovic I, Milic M, Antovic A, et al. Unusual suicide with a chainsaw. Forensic Sci Int. 2013; 228:e58–e61.

9. Betz P, Eisenmenger W. Unusual suicides with electric saws. Forensic Sci Int. 1995; 75:173–179.

10. Rainov NG, Burkert WL. An unusual suicide attempt using a circular saw. Int J Legal Med. 1994; 106:223–224.