Complex Suicide: A Case Series

Abstract

Suicide is a common manner of death typically carried out via a specific mechanism. When a suicidal act is committed using more than one method, it is called a complex suicide. A complex suicide can be divided into planned and unplanned. We present three cases of complex suicide in which multiple methods were used and a previous history of self-harm was present. This case series highlights the significance of a detailed medicolegal death investigation, including interviews with relatives and other witnesses, and a thorough forensic autopsy/toxicological analysis to ascertain the cause and manner of death.

Complex Suicide Involving Hanging and Self-Inflicted Incision: A Case Report

“…Suicide represents a victim’s decision to end their life. However, complex suicide involves the simultaneous use of two or more methods [ 1 ]. A planned complex suicide is rare [ 4 ].…”

“…In India, an analysis of data over five years revealed that the most common methods of suicide were hanging (51.5%) and poisoning (26.7%) according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB, 2018). Men were the predominant victims, with the highest incidence among those aged 18-30 years (34.9%), followed by those aged 31-45 years (31.6%) [ 1 ]. There are two types of suicide: simple and complex.…”

“…There are two types of suicide: simple and complex. Scholars have defined complex suicide as the adoption of more than one method to ensure death by suicide [ 1 ]. Complex suicide is either planned or unplanned [ 2 ].…”

“…In unplanned complex suicide, if the first method fails, the victim may choose another method [ 3 ]. According to the literature, complex suicide accounts for 1.5%-5% of all suicides [ 1 ]. The adoption of more than one method for suicide may create doubt and confusion about whether it is homicide or suicide.…”