Plastic-bag Suicide

Hunt, A. C.; Camps, Francis E.

doi:10.1136/bmj.1.5275.378

Cited by 12 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Suicide using a plastic bag was the last tested hypothesis . PBS is a well‐known suicide method (25), and it is used more frequently, compared with other methods, by individuals older than 50 years old, especially if seriously ill (5).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Case of Suicidal Suffocation Simulating Homicide

d’Aloja¹,

De-Giorgio²,

Ausania³

et al. 2011

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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This case concerns an unusual suicidal plastic bag suffocation. An elderly white man was found dead and partially disrobed in his apartment lying supine on a sofa with a plastic bag closed by a rope over the head and the upper and lower extremities tightly tied with two other ropes, the end of both arranged into slipknots (self-rescue mechanism). Police investigations found no pornography in the apartment, and circumstantial data alleged no psychiatric disorders or suicidal intentions. The autopsy excluded signs of struggle and sexual intercourse as well as any type of injury or physical illness. Chemical analyses on the peripheral blood excluded acute drugs and/or alcohol intoxication. A differential diagnosis of the manner of death was performed, including scenarios of accidental autoerotic asphyxiation, homicide during either sexual activity or ritualistic, elderly suicide. The collected data most strongly supported the hypothesis of a suicidal asphyxiation simulating homicide to devolve a life insurance to the victim's sons because of economic difficulties.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Case of Suicidal Suffocation Simulating Homicide

d’Aloja¹,

De-Giorgio²,

Ausania³

et al. 2011

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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“…In 1962, Hunt and Camps (6) reported three asphyxial suicides by covering the head with plastic bags and a sheet. This method of asphyxiation was advocated by Derek Humphrey (7) in his book Final Exit which was first published in 1991.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Asphyxiation by Occlusion of Nose and Mouth by Duct Tape: Two Unusual Suicides

deRoux

Leffers

2009

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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The most recent U.S. statistics (2005) determined that 22.2% of suicides are by suffocation. This number likely includes suicidal hanging. Based on previous reports the majority of nonhanging suicidal asphyxiations are accomplished by securing a plastic bag over the head. We report two instances of a far less common method of suicidal asphyxiation, occlusion of the nose and mouth by duct tape. One was a 47-year-old man with a history of paranoid schizophrenia with suicidal ideation and the other was a 52-year-old man who was depressed due to gambling debts. The value of scene investigation, including review of available video surveillance to determine the manner of death is highlighted.

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“…What investigations are required of a pathologist faced with a 'negative coroner's necropsy'? '6 In this Institute there is a move toward a protocol comprising: (1) dissection of the face (in situ dissection of the neck structures by the pathologist is regarded as routine in all cases); (2) retention and detailed dissection of the heart, including decalcification of calcified coronary arteries, determination of weights of isolated ventricles and examination of the cardiac conduction system; (3) inflation of a lung with fixative before dissection; (4) examination of the brain only after fixation in suspension; (5) examination of the fixed spinal cord; (6) analysis of vitreous humour for urea, sodium, chloride, and ketone bodies; (7) retention of samples of peripheral venous blood, urine and vitreous humour for analysis for alcohol and carbon monoxide, screening for common drugs of abuse or more specific analyses as indicated by the results of further enquiries by police or coroner's office; (8) institution of further enquiries regarding the medical history of the deceased and other family members, with particular regard to epilepsy, diabetes mellitus and palpitations/ syncope.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%