Suicidal Smothering by Means of Multiple Loops of Adhesive Tape: A case Report.

Lee, Sang Yong; Huh, Gi Yeong; Kim, Kwang Hoon; Kim, Kwang Hyun; Oh, Sang Pil

Case Report

Korean Journal of Legal Medicine 2007;31(1):85-88.
Published online May 31, 2007.

Suicidal Smothering by Means of Multiple Loops of Adhesive Tape: A case Report.

Sang Yong Lee, Gi Yeong Huh, Kwang Hoon Kim, Kwang Hyun Kim, Sang Pil Oh

Institute of Forensic Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Korea. isyme8549@empal.com

Abstract

Suicidal smothering is distinctly uncommon, especially when caused by winding strips of adhesive tape around the head to cover the nose and mouth. The authors report a very unusual case in which the deceased, a 43-year-old woman, was found with gray adhesive tape wrapped 8 times around the head and strictly obstructed nose and mouse and 2 times around neck. Clear distinction between the homicidal and suicidal smothering by means of multiple loops of adhesive tape is often impossible on the basis of the anatomical findings alone. An accurate evaluation of circumstances, a thorough post-mortem examination, inspection of the scene are extremely important in such cases. We reports a case of suicidal smothering by means of multiple loops of adhesive tape with brief review of literature.

Key Words: Suicide, Smothering