Concealed homicidal strangulation first discovered at necropsy

Abstract

One adult and one childhood case of concealed homicide by strangulation are presented. Both cases were first recognised on formal neck dissection at necropsy. Neither showed any obvious external trauma to the neck or laryngeal fracture. External petechiae were absent in the child. The pattern of internal injuries in both cases suggested that the likely mechanism was strangulation. Particular care is required in busy routine medicolegal practice in order to detect deaths which are not immediately apparent as asphyxial.