ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 5 May 2004
Page Count: 3

Suicide by Cyanide: 17 Deaths
Marker, E
New York University School of Medicine, NY

Gill, JR
New York University School of Medicine, NY

Stajic, M
New York University School of Medicine, NY

(Received 16 August 2003; accepted 6 March 2004)

Abstract

We reviewed 17 intentional ingestions of cyanide that occurred in New York City over a ten-year interval. The toxicologic and postmortem findings were reviewed. Certain occupations and nationalities of the decedents predominated among this group of suicides. Scientists, jewelers, and metal workers were common occupations among the decedents. In addition, 8 of 17 fatalities were West Indian/Caribbean Island and South American decedents, including three decedents from Guyana. Fourteen of the 17 fatalities were male. Pink lividity, a “bitter-almond” smell, and a hemorrhagic gastric mucosa were not prevailing findings in these decedents. A color test was used for screening for cyanide with confirmation and quantitation using gas chromatography.

Keywords:
forensic science, forensic pathology, cyanide, fatality, suicide

Paper ID: JFS2003278
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2003278
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