In:
Rechtsmedizin, Springer Science and Business Media LLC, Vol. 31, No. 1 ( 2021-02), p. 42-49
Abstract:
When two people commit suicide as a result of a mutual decision, this is defined as a double suicide or a suicide pact. Forensic medical evaluation should include the circumstances of the individual case and can provide important information for the legal assessment, especially in cases when one person survived. Material and methods For the 25-year period from 1995 to 2019, autopsy cases of completed and attempted double suicides were retrospectively analyzed including the investigation files, if they were available. Results The study revealed 23 double suicides among which 16 suicides were completed and in 7 cases one partner survived. Married couples or persons living in registered partnerships were involved in 83% of these cases and in 13% the people concerned had previously met in a psychiatric institution and 4% had met in an online suicide chat room. The mean age at the time of death was 57.8 years for males and 63.4 years for females. In approximately two thirds of the cases diseases were reported as the main suicidal motive. The most frequent method of suicide was intoxication, with the use of firearms being the second most common method. Without exception, the man first shot his wife with one or more shots to the head before killing himself. In most cases the shared bed was the place where the deceased were found. Discussion In contrast to suicides in general, double suicides were most often committed by intoxication as a so-called soft method. Based on the forensic literature, typical features of a double suicide are discussed. Conclusion In forensic medicine, double suicides are rare; however, the distinction from an extended suicide (homicide-suicide) is essential but can be difficult to achieve. The case history, forensic findings and criminal investigations of the circumstances have to be considered.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0937-9819
,
1434-5196
DOI:
10.1007/s00194-020-00434-9
Language:
German
Publisher:
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1463037-0
SSG:
2
SSG:
2,1
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