Suicidal ligature strangulation using gymnastics bands

Abstract

Suicidal ligature strangulation is a rare event. The most important issue to solve in the investigation is whether it is a case of homicide or suicide. The characteristics of suicidal ligature strangulation are summarized by Koops and Brinkmann with the emphasis on the nature of the ligature instrument(s). In this article, we present two cases of self-strangulation with an almost identical modus operandi using gymnastics bands. The autopsy findings and the nature of the ligature in these cases are depicted and in good accordance with the described typical observations in suicidal cases. The importance of a broad medico-legal investigation is demonstrated.

Self‐Strangulation Turning into Partial Hanging for a Suicide Victim

“…Suicide by self‐strangulation is unusual but not rare. Case reports and case series have been published in the scientific literature . Our case is an interesting case of suicide by self‐strangulation, which culminated into partial hanging due to a unique mechanism used for the process.…”

“…Analysis of various case reports and case series published on self‐strangulation indicates that the victims of these types of suicide are predominantly male and are above 30 years of age. The ligature used in these cases are a twin, cable tie, hemp rope, scarf, fabric belt, a sleeve of a shirt, nylon rope, dressing gown cord, underpants elastic, telephone wire, pantyhose, wire cloth hanger, rubber band, shoelace, elastic gymnastic bands and waist belt.…”

Asphyxia using a piece of a sarong at a psychiatric unit: a case of self-strangulation

“…W przypadku zadzierzgnięcia zacisk wywoływany jest jednak w inny sposób, a domyślną przyczyną zgonu jest zwykle zabójstwo [3]. Dławienie, kneblowanie, przyduszanie czy duszenie rzadko ma charakter samobójczy, a samozadzierzgnięcie prawie zawsze budzi podejrzenia ze względu na rodzaj metody i zastosowany typ materiału zaciskającego [4][5][6][7][8][9]. Zadzierzgnięcie polega na wywołaniu ucisku szyi za pomocą rąk lub zacisku [2,10].…”

“…Choking, gagging, smothering, or strangulation are rarely suicidal. However self-strangulation is almost always suspicious due to application of the type of method and ligature material used [4][5][6][7][8][9]. Strangulation is compression of the neck by use of hands or a ligature [2,10].…”

An Unusual Method of Suicidal Ligature Strangulation

“…Self‐strangulation by ligature is usually prevented, when a constant force is not maintained around the neck to obstruct venous blood flow until death . However, different authors have reported various suicidal ligature strangulation techniques adopted by the decedents . The present case report describes a rare suicidal ligature strangulation case of a 51‐year‐old psychiatric patient.…”