Examination of the scene of death in a hanging

Overview

Maintenance of the correct procedures by the examining medical officer at the scene is the first step towards successfully investigating all violent deaths, be they suicides, accidents or killings. Hanging is the most frequent form of suicide and ligature asphyxia in the Czech Republic. When examining the victim great attention must be paid to the clothing, any biological evidence on and around the victim, the ligature abrasions, and to any suspicious circumstances at the scene of death. Incorrect examination can destroy necessary evidence or fail to recognise a violent crime. This article outlines the correct procedure for investigating a hanging scene.

Keywords:
hanging, suicide, scene of death, investigation