Decapitation in Suicidal Hanging – Vital Reaction Patterns

Abstract

Complete or incomplete decapitation as a consequence of suicidal hanging is very rare, few cases having been reported in the worldwide literature. Posthanging decapitation is typically related to a drop of several meters. Three cases of complete decapitation and one case of incomplete decapitation by suicidal hanging are reported with particular emphasis on internal findings and vital reaction patterns. Personal, circumstantial, autopsy, and toxicological data were analyzed to define basic characteristics of such extreme injuries. The crucial factor for the state of decapitation itself is the kinetic energy of the falling body, the strength of the human neck tissue, and the diameter and elasticity of the used ligature. Results of our case study suggest Simon's hemorrhage and air embolism as useful autopsy findings in posthanging beheading cases. Simon's hemorrhage was demonstrated in three cases of four. The test for air embolism was positive in all four cases.

Suicidal hanging in Istanbul, Turkey: 1979–2012 Autopsy results

“…Generally, similar to this study, posthanging decapitation is typically associated with a relatively thin ligature of poor stretchability (e.g., nylon rope, electric cable, wire) 5,34,35 . Psychiatric disorder co-morbidity is an important risk factor in suicide for alcohol and other drug users.…”

Traumatic Rupture of Deep Neck Structures in Hanging

“…5 The crucial factor for the state of decapitation itself is the kinetic energy of the falling body, the strength of the human neck tissue, and the diameter and elasticity of the used ligature. 9 In our 2 cases, the victims had used a rigid rope, but the fall was from a low height. However, fall may have occurred after a jump with impetus, increasing initial kinetic energy of the falling body.…”

Pneumomediastinum and Cervical Soft Tissue Emphysema as an Important Vital Sign in Hanging: An Autopsy Based Prospective Study

“…Both mechanisms are compatible with the finding of air in the visceral space around the trachea, esophagus and big vessels of the neck, the structures serving as guides for air spread. Cases of airway mucosal injuries with complete disruption, including decapitation and transverse laceration of upper airways, have been reported in hanging deaths [19,20]. Gill et al have reported two cases of crico-tracheal disruption owing to hanging which lead to the development of local subcutaneous emphysema [21].…”