Skip to main content

This individual committed suicide by hanging and plastic bag suffocation. A complex suicide involves multiple methods of self-harm employed simultaneously or sequentially to ensure death. In cases involving hanging and plastic bag suffocation, the individual typically combines these methods to minimize the risk of failure. The hanging may be partial, with the body not entirely suspended, while the plastic bag prevents breathing, ensuring rapid hypoxia. This combination is often used to address potential survival in case one method alone fails. Hanging compresses the neck, obstructing blood flow to the brain, while the plastic bag intensifies oxygen deprivation. Evidence in such cases might include ligature marks, petechial hemorrhages, and signs of asphyxiation, along with detailed preparations such as securing the bag and ligature. Psychological autopsies often reveal significant distress, planning, or mental health conditions. Investigations focus on ruling out foul play by analyzing the scene and personal circumstances. Complex suicides highlight the interplay of intent, planning, and despair.

Fig.1 A complex suicide.

Latest posts

Fig.1 Diptera larvae collected from the ocular cavity of a cadaver in active decay.

Diptera larvae collected from the ocular cavity of a cadaver

| Decomposition | No Comments
On June 28, 2009, a 70-year-old male corpse was found in his house in Pisa. He was lying…
Fig.1 Skin burns on a victim of lysol suicide.

Skin burns on a victim of lysol suicide

| Suicide | No Comments
Skin burns on a victim of lysol suicide. The trickle pattern makes it obvious that the victim was…
Fig.1 Greenish white molds on the forehead, right side of the cheek, perioral, and perinasal areas, and anterior part of neck, and chest.

Fungal growth on a corpse

| Decomposition | No Comments
A 42-year-old woman was discovered dead, the body was covered with fungal plaques. She had been leading a…
Fig.1 Contact wound, between the eyes from a .357 Magnum revolver.

Contact wound between the eyes from a .357 Magnum revolver

| Gunshot, Suicide | No Comments
Massive injuries from contact handgun wounds of the head, when they do occur, are associated with Magnum calibers,…