Suicidal Smothering with Gagging: A case report

Abstract

A rare case of violent death by asphyxia which is of mechanical form in nature, reported in a teenager involving unusual combination of  gagging and smothering. In this peculiar case oral cavity of the deceased was stuffed with multiple pieces of tissue paper soaked in saliva  and crumbled handkerchief. Accidental, suicidal or homicidal nature common type of manner of death involving mechanical form of  asphyxia. Clinching to manner of death by crime scene investigation and thorough psychological autopsy. Suicidal gagging has been  reported many a time, whereas accidental gagging is relatively a rare event. Cause of death was determined by meticulous post-mortem  examination.