Journal Published Online: 01 April 1986
Volume 31, Issue 2

Unusual Hanging Deaths

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Four unrelated hanging deaths involving young white males, all in enlisted status in the United States military, are presented. Taken in a military context, one scene served as a suicide note equivalent with the unmistakable message of extreme defiance toward military regulations. In two cases, the elaborate attire of the decedents could have lead to the misclassification of the manner of death if investigative information had not been considered. Extensive background investigation and review of medical records in the fourth case disclosed that the victim had an eight- to ten-year history of compressing his neck to cause unconsciousness. He left an extensive suicide note in which he concluded that “hanging would be good.” Each case has certain unique features, and as a group, the cases all demonstrate a continuum from obvious suicide to cases where the manner of death is, at first, equivocal.

Author Information

Clark, MA
Division of Forensic Pathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC
Kerr, FC
Air Force Office of Special Investigation, Shaw Air Force Base, SC
Pages: 9
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS12309J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12309J