Hangings in Alberta, with Special Reference to Outdoor Hangings with Decomposition

Abstract

A records survey at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner In Edmonton, Alberta from 1990 to 1997 reveals outdoor suicidal hangings to be a common occurrence, particularly In rural areas. These Isolated settings may result In delayed discovery and decomposed remains. Three case studies are presented Involving outdoor hangings with extended postmortem Intervals -5 weeks, 16 months and 10 years, respectively. The last case presented many of the diagnostic elements associated with autoerotlc asphyxia and the difficulties of differentiating this accidental manner of death from suicide after 10 years of decay and scene deterioration are discussed. RESUME Une etude des dossiers provenant du bureau du medecln leglste en chef d'Edmonton, Alberta, a revele qU'i1 y avalt eu beaucoup de suicides par pendalson durant la perlode de 1990a1997 et ce partlculierement dans les regions rurales. ces deces dans des endrolts Isoles ont Implique des decouvertes tardlves et des restes humalns decomposes. Trois enquetes de mort par pendalson en pleln air Impliquant des delaIs postmortem conslderables -5 semalnes, 16 mols et 10 ans-sont presentees. La dernlere enquete rapportee dans cet article semblalt demontrer des slgnes d'asphyxle auteerotlque alnsl que des dlfflcultes a dlfferencler une mort accldentelle d'un suicide apres 10 ans de decomposition.

Trends in Adult Suicides in New Mexico: Utilizing Data from the New Mexico Violent Death Reporting System*

“…Although the majority of White and Hispanic adults in this study used firearms to commit suicide, Native Americans most commonly used asphyxia. Previous studies have found hanging, particularly outdoors, to be a more common choice for suicide among Native Americans, given differences in cultures and accessibility of firearms (25). When considering circumstances and precipitating factors for suicide by sex, current depressed mood, a current mental health problem, and ever being treated for a mental illness were the most commonly reported events preceding the suicide (75.2% of females, 52.8% of males for current depressed mood).…”

“…Although the majority of White and Hispanic adults in this study used firearms to commit suicide, Native Americans most commonly used asphyxia. Previous studies have found hanging, particularly outdoors, to be a more common choice for suicide among Native Americans, given differences in cultures and accessibility of firearms (25). …”

Why Do People Hang Themselves on Trees? An Evaluation of Suicidal Hangings on Trees in Konya, Turkey, between 2001 and 2008

“…Komar et al. reported that of the 55 suicidal hangings occurring outdoors, in 30 (54.5%) of these cases, the suspension point was a branch of a tree. Owens et al.…”

“…In the literature, there are few reports of hangings on trees. Komar et al (14) reported that of the 55 suicidal hangings occurring outdoors, in 30 (54.5%) of these cases, the suspension point was a branch of a tree. Owens et al (7) reported that 12% of hangings occurred in public places and 72.7% of these cases were in open country and woods.…”

“…Komar et al. reported that although Aboriginal people represented only 27% of total hangings, they accounted for 58.2% of the outdoor hangings, suggesting a cultural bias not only in suicide method but also in location. Suicide was reported to take place in public buildings or places (14.3%) as well as in nature (14.2%) in Switzerland .…”