NCJ Number
220435
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 52 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2007 Pages: 1190-1193
Date Published
September 2007
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study presents forensic, radiological, and anthropological data on the features of a case of suicidal hanging that resulted in the complete decapitation of the victim.
Abstract
In this case, the victim's cervical spine broke between the third and fourth cervical vertebrae with fractures of the extremities of the spinous processes of the second and third cervical vertebrae. No fracture was observed in the region of the isthmus. The spinal fractures were attributed to the combination of considerable axial traction and the shearing and crushing forces. The authors do not know of any case in the literature that describes this severance plane. A circular broad abrasion border of the cervical skin is typical of the severance edge in decapitation by hanging. The skin lacerations are caused by the combined effect of axial traction and radial pressure. The findings on both cranial and caudal wound edges are consistent with previous case reports. The presence of a circumferential skin abrasion at the margin of the decapitation wound distinguishes posthanging decapitations from post homicidal decapitation performed with a sharp cutting instrument. This case combined all of the factors and conditions linked to complete decapitation in the course of suicidal hanging: victim's heavy body weight, inelastic rope, thin noose, use of a slip knot, and fall from a considerable height. Evidence of vital reactions is of major importance in eliminating postmortem dismemberment or mutilation. 4 figures and 13 references