Work

Strangulation Using Cable Ties and a Suicidal Manner of Death: A Case Report and Literature Review Addressing an Atypical Suicidal Mode

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Strangulation by ligature, most frequently employed for homicidal purposes, is not a common suicide method. Even more infrequent is the use by the victim of cable ties as a tool of self-strangulation. Methods: We describe a case of a 50-year-old woman who was found dead with a cable tie tight around her neck. In our case, analysis of the circumstantial data and the psychopathological history of the victim—along with an external examination, an autopsy, and toxicological findings—was crucial in the differential diagnosis between death intentionally inflicted by a third person and suicide. Through a narrative review conducted by performing a literature search using online resources (PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect). Results: we were only able to identify eight similar cases. Conclusions: These were compared with our case, to trace similarities and differences, useful in guiding the forensic doctor in the diagnosis of death in such circumstances.

Source: Forensic Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/forensicsci5010001

Authors: Camilla Cecannecchia, Stefania De Simone, Benedetta Baldari, Luigi Cipolloni, Andrea Cioffi

Institutions: University of Foggia, Sapienza University of Rome

Language: English

Topic: Restraint-Related Deaths

Subfield: Emergency Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,137