NCJ Number
183905
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 44 Issue: 6 Dated: November 1999 Pages: 1307-1309
Date Published
November 1999
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article reports on a case in which a hanging suicide was staged by the victim as a homicide.
Abstract
In May 1998, a 38-year-old white male was found dead in his bedroom by his roommate. The victim was found partially suspended from his closet door with a white electrical extension cord attached around his neck with a ring hitch knot. The other end of the cord was fastened around the inside door knob of the closet. The victim had a white athletic sock in his mouth that was secured in place with a red bandanna tied in a single overhand knot behind the head. In addition, the victim's hands were restrained behind his back with a pair of stainless steel handcuffs, and his legs were loosely bound with a black coaxial cable tied in a single overhand knot. No suicide note was found. The investigation of the scene, victim, and witnesses produced several findings that supported the manner of death as a suicide. There was no forced entry into the apartment. The front door had been dead-bolted from the inside upon the roommate's return from an evening at a girlfriend's home. The relationship between the victim and roommate was one of casual friends. The victim's keys were in his room and his vehicle was parked outside. Despite a large amount of audio-visual and musical equipment in the apartment, nothing was apparently stolen. A total of $140 in cash was found in the living room. A wooden chair was found in an upright position directly in front of the victim. There was no sign of a struggle, and all of the restraints on the victim could be easily removed. A closer inspection of the handcuffs revealed a "quick release" lever on each cuff, which allowed opening of the restraints without a key. Subsequent investigation revealed that the victim had purchased the handcuffs over a year prior and was familiar with their operation. Other information about the victim revealed that he had exhibited depression over a failed relationship and had made comments about suicide. The victim's exact motive for staging his suicide as a homicide remains unclear. 7 figures and 9 references