An overhung mute suspect died during restraint – Is this a case of positional asphyxia?. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Long; Pan, Hui; Ma, Jianlong; Lv, Yehui; Zhang, Heng; Li, Wencan
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic and legal medicine. Volume 33(2015)
• Page Start: 98
• Page End: 100
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: Forensic science -- Positional asphyxia -- Custody restraint position -- Postural restriction -- Autopsy -- Forensic pathology; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2015.04.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1752-928X

Abstract

Abstract: Positional asphyxia is a specific type of suffocation that results from the body being forced and fixed in a particular position causing death by suffocation. The body exhibits obvious general characteristics of death by suffocation. We report a case of custody death that may have been caused by positional asphyxia. The mute criminal suspect died in a detention room after arrest. The suspect was found unconscious and died following placement in a hanging position for 8 h. We reviewed the case with respect to the autopsy findings, pathological changes, and specific scene where the death occurred as well as the circumstantial correlation of the investigation. Highlights: The case of custody death may caused by positional asphyxia. The mute criminal suspect died in a detention room after arrest. Significant asphyxia was observed. This mute man was placed in a specific position for hours.