Mechanical Asphyxiation Due to Ligature Strangulation: A Case Report of Suicide

Introduction: Suicide by ligature strangulation has been rarely reported in literature. This case report was prepared to present this different method of suicide and to discuss the findings of this case in the framework of findings in literature.

Case: A 37-year old male was found dead in his home where he lived alone, with no signs of forced entry to the house. The body was lying supine on the dining table, with the feet hanging free and the head completely resting on the table. A thick, orange-coloured rope was wrapped three times around the neck and below the table where the head was resting was a 20kg demijohn full of water, with a broken rope with the same features wrapped around the neck of the bottle.

Discussion and Conclusion: The current case is unique in respect of showing the postmortem findings which could be created following the application of pressure with a force of 20kg on the airway and blood vessels. The necessity is emphasised for detailed examination of the scene to differentiate suicide from murder and of information from before death and from the autopsy to correctly establish the cause of death.