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Suicidal Smothering by Rubber Latex Gloves and Handkerchief
Author(s) -
Viero Alessia,
Cecchetto Giovanni,
BoscoloBerto Rafael,
Viel Guido,
Montisci Massimo
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/1556-4029.12891
Subject(s) - smothering , homicide , poison control , medicine , mouthguard , forensic engineering , medical emergency , injury prevention , engineering , asphyxia , pediatrics , dentistry
Asphyxial deaths are common in forensic practice, being sustained by a variety of mechanisms that cause an oxygen deficiency to the brain. Several classification models have been proposed in the literature, the most recent one being that of the International Network for Forensic Research Group ( INFOR ). This report describes an unusual case of suffocation where the obstruction of the airways was caused by a gag formed of three latex gloves and a handkerchief. The manner of death (differential diagnosis between homicide and suicide) and the different alternatives of classification are discussed.