Suicidal Electrocution: A Case Report

Authors

  • Ivana Kumicikova
  • Veronika Rybarova
  • Lubomir Straka
  • Martin Janik
  • Frantisek Novomesky
  • Jozef Krajcovic

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v17i1.18890

Keywords:

crime scene investigation, electricity, electric current, electrocution, suicide

Abstract

Most common electricity-related deaths in forensic practice are associated with accidents in domestic or industrial
environment. Despite the fact that electricity is a readily available suicidal mean in developed countries, suicides
by electrocution are relatively rare. Mostly suppose in individuals working in the electrotechnical industry or at
home by “handymen”. An autopsy findings are usually uncharacteristic, accompanied by pulmonary edema,
fluid blood, organ congestion (suffocation signs). The passage of electric current through the body is confirmed by
specific finding so-called current signs. In many cases, current marks are small, easily overlooked or unrecognizable,
which significantly complicates the diagnosis and determination of the cause of death by a forensic pathologist.
In some cases, it´s possible to determine the suicidal electrocution only by the investigated circumstances or in
cooperation with an expert in the field of electrical engineering. Authors warn of the potential risk that a person
may be part of an active electrical circuit at the time of the finding. Knowledge of the victim‘s psychiatric and social
history is an equally important part. The authors present the case of an 82-year-old man who, in a suicidal manner,
constructed a suicide electric circuit in a social services home.

Author Biographies

  • Ivana Kumicikova

    Research Scholar, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Medicolegal Expertises, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine,
    Comenius University, University Hospital, Martin, Slovak Republic.

  • Veronika Rybarova

    Research Scholar, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Medicolegal Expertises, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine,
    Comenius University, University Hospital, Martin, Slovak Republic.

  • Lubomir Straka

    Professor, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Medicolegal Expertises, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine,
    Comenius University, University Hospital, Martin, Slovak Republic.

  • Martin Janik

    Associated Professor, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Medicolegal Expertises, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine,Comenius University, University Hospital, Martin, Slovak Republic.

  • Frantisek Novomesky

    Professor, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Medicolegal Expertises, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine,
    Comenius University, University Hospital, Martin, Slovak Republic.

  • Jozef Krajcovic

    Associated Professor, Tutor,Institute of Forensic Medicine and Medicolegal Expertises, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine,Comenius University, University Hospital, Martin, Slovak Republic.

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Published

2022-12-21

How to Cite

Suicidal Electrocution: A Case Report. (2022). Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 17(1), 36-40. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v17i1.18890