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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology 4/2020

01-12-2020 | Suicide | Images in Forensics

Hanging disguised as bondage: accidental or suicidal death?

Authors: Alberto Alongi, Chiara Stassi, Cristina Mondello, Gennaro Baldino, Antonella Argo, Elvira Ventura Spagnolo

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 4/2020

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Abstract

The concept of autoerotic asphyxiation refers to the use of devices or substances intended to enhance one’s arousal by inducing cerebral hypoxia, which can involuntarily lead to death. Although in most cases death occurs accidentally, it is nonetheless true that the same devices might be used by the practitioners in order to attempt suicide. The case of a 34-year-old practitioner of autoerotic asphyxiation found dead in his apartment with bondage-like ligatures and masking is reported here. The case raised some issues concerning the accidental or suicidal nature of the act. The aspects taken into account in the management of the case are discussed, along with a compared approach to the data provided by literature.
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Metadata
Title
Hanging disguised as bondage: accidental or suicidal death?
Authors
Alberto Alongi
Chiara Stassi
Cristina Mondello
Gennaro Baldino
Antonella Argo
Elvira Ventura Spagnolo
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Keywords
Suicide
Suicide
Published in
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 4/2020
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-020-00261-0

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