Forensic and psychiatric aspects of joint suicide with carbon monoxide

Abstract

A case of joint suicide of a young woman and man who became acquainted in a suicide web forum and used this platform to make an appointment to commit suicide together is described. During their investigation, police were able to reconstruct the events by analysing the computer of the deceased women which was also found with the bodies. An indoor charcoal burning unit was used to release carbon monoxide as the method of suicide.

Suicide-related Internet use: A review

“…Other cases in the literature describe individuals who have attempted or died by suicide after using the Internet to obtain information on suicide methods (Alao et al, 1999; Cantrell and Minns, 2011; Corkery et al, 2010; Gallagher et al, 2003; Gosselink et al, 2012; Haut and Morrison, 1998; Musshoff et al, 2010; Prior, 2004; Schneider et al, 2010), to obtain methods themselves (Becker et al, 2004), to form online suicide pacts (Birbal et al, 2009; Laberke et al, 2011; Mehlum, 2000) and to broadcast their suicide (Birbal et al, 2009). In their examination of group suicide in Japan, Naito (2007) discussed four cases of online suicide pacts.…”

Carbon monoxide suicide by charcoal-burning: a case report and review of the literature

“…It has been mentioned, since 1844 by Eugene Sue in his book “The Wandering Jew”, where he noted the suicide of an old couple after dismissal from work [ 7 ]. In the early 20 th century, inhalation of domestic gas or car exhaust fumes was the most common method [ 8 ]. Along with the implementation of catalytic converters in motor vehicles and the decrease availability of CO in household gas, by improving gas installations and conversion to natural gas supply, the overall CO suicide rate has dropped [ 8 , 9 ].…”

“…In the early 20 th century, inhalation of domestic gas or car exhaust fumes was the most common method [ 8 ]. Along with the implementation of catalytic converters in motor vehicles and the decrease availability of CO in household gas, by improving gas installations and conversion to natural gas supply, the overall CO suicide rate has dropped [ 8 , 9 ]. Other new variants have emerged ever since, and there may have been a resulting increase in alternative methods of CO suicide, such as CB in a confined space [ 6 ].…”

“…Finally, toxicological analysis, carried out 7 days after the corpse discovery, found a relatively high COHb level. As, it is well known that COHb level decreases quickly after death, it is important to signal that COHb level in our case may be underestimated because of the time elapsed between death, autopsy and analysis [ 1 , 8 ]. Although, serious toxicity may occur when COHb level is greater than 25% notwithstanding that no dose-effect relationship was proved between COHb levels and the observed clinical effects within surviving victims [ 1 ].…”

Suicidal asphyxiation by carbon monoxide within a polythene bag

“…She planned and executed the event in a very meticulous way by using a conventional method, i.e. burning coal for the production of CO. 15 Laberke et al 16 reported a unique case in which joint suicide was planned and committed using CO. The initial contact between both the victims was established through the internet.…”