Abstract

Introduction: Methods used for homicide varies enormously such as use of fire arm, use of Sharp weapons and by other means like Strangulation, smothering, poisoning, burning etc. However, employing multiple methods by a single assailant for killing one victim is rarely reported in standard Indian literature. Case Details: This case report describes the death of a 31 year old married female, who was killed by employing different methods of mechanical asphyxia. Multiple nail scratch abrasions were present on her cheek and neck. Internal examination showed haemorrhagic infiltration in the muscles of neck and contusion of the inner wall of upper respiratory tract. There was also presence of Sub-dural & Sub-arachnoid haemorrhage and multiple bilateral rib fractures, along with blunt trauma injuries on both her thighs. This case highlights the possibility of involvement of a single person only, in the homicide of a healthy adult female by the application of different asphyxial methods together. Conclusion: The autopsy findings helped the autopsy surgeon in reconstructing the sequence of events and the manner in which the act was carried out. All these criminal offences were done by one single assailant who compressed her mouth and nose with the left hand, squeezed her neck with right hand and pressed her thorax with knees. The autopsy findings and probable sequence of events helped the police to establish the crime by suspected assailant. This case emphasizes importance of forensic reconstruction in helping the judiciary.

• 1.   DiMaio VJ, Dimaio D. Forensic Pathology. Asphyxia. (2nd edn). Boca Raton: CRC Press 2001. pp.232–78.
• 2.   Saukko P, Knight B.Forensic pathology. Suffocation and asphyxia. (4th edn). Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2016.pp.352–67.
• 3.   Saukko P, Knight B. Forensic pathology. Fatal pressure on the Neck. (4th edn). Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2016.pp.369–97.
• 4.   Matiharan K, Patnaik AK. Modi’s Medical Jurisprudence and Toxicology. Asphyxia. (23rd edn). LexisNexis New Delhi, India, 2005.pp.567– 614.
• 5.   Mahanta P.Modern Textbook of Forensic medicine & Toxicology. Asphyxia. Jaypee Brothers, New Delhi, India. 2014.
• 6.   Aggarwal A. Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. Mechanical Asphyxia. Avichal Publishing Company, New Delhi, India 2014. pp.366–404.
• 7.   Rao NG. Textbook of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology. Violent Asphyxial deaths. Jaypee Brothers, New Delhi, India, 2010.pp.194–220.
• 8.   Pillay VV. Textbook of Forensic Medicine and toxicology. Mechanical Asphyxia. 17th ed. Hyderabad: Paras Medical Publisher; 2016: 297–327.
• 9.   Nandy A. Principle of Forensic Medicine including Toxicology. Asphyxial Deaths. 3rd ed. India: Central Book Agency; 2010.pp.517–64.
• 10.   C.K. Parikh. Parikh’s textbook of Medical Jurisprudence Forensic Medicine & Toxicology. Asphyxia. CBS Publisher’s & distributors; 6th edition; 1999.pp.3.40–3.53.
• 11.   Vij K.Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology: Principles and practice. (6th edn). Asphyxial deaths. Elsevier India Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, India, 2014.pp.110–45.
• 12.   Reddy KSN. The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. 34th ed. Hyderabad: K Suguna Devi; 2017.pp.315–50.
• 13.   Eren B, Turkmen N, Fedakar R. An unusual case of thorax compression. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2008;20:134–5.
• 14.   Miyaishi S, Yoshitome K, Yamamoto Y, Naka T, Ishizu H. Negligent homicide by traumatic asphyxia. Int J Leg Med. 2004;118:106–10.
• 15.   Byard RW, Wick R, Simpson E, Gilbert JD. The pathological features and circumstances of death of lethal crush/traumatic asphyxia in adults–a 25- year study. Forensic Sci Int .2006;159(2–3):200–5.
• 16.   Blanco Pampin J, Garcia Varela L. Suicidal choking by a bizarre combination of inhalation to the bronchi and external neck compression. J Leg Med. 2001;3:119–22.
• 17.   Lupascu C, Lupascu C, Beldiman D. Mechanical asphyxia by three different mechanisms. Legal Med. 2003;5:110–1.
• 18.   Das S, Jena MK. Homicide by a combination of three different asphyxial methods. Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences .2016;6:298–302.