Masking and bondage in suicidal hanging

Abstract

The body of a 35-year-old man was found hanging in a relatively isolated place outdoors. A vest was wrapped over his head, neck and lower part of the face. The hands were loosely tied in front of the body. The vest was tucked between the neck and the ligature, to act as a pad. Thorough scene examination and post-mortem examination excluded any evidence of foul play. Although bondage is usually associated with autoerotic practices in asphyxiation deaths, it was established that this case was a suicide. DNA was used as a supportive measure to determine that the handkerchief and vest belonged to the deceased.