NCJ Number
217241
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 52 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2007 Pages: 192-194
Date Published
January 2007
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This paper reports on the features of a unique case of suicidal decapitation of a 45-year-old man with a tractor loader at the foot of a silo on his farm.
Abstract
The man had suffered from depression in the past and was currently known to have depression related to a recent separation. He was being treated with Sertraline and Temazepam, but was not taking the medicine regularly according to his doctor. The man had apparently reported his suicidal thoughts to his relatives, even discussing the various methods he could use to kill himself. At autopsy, the comparison of the neck severance line with the imprints of the tractor loader on the silo wall determined that both patterns were compatible. Cause of death was determined to be decapitation, and manner of death was ruled suicide. An extensive investigation did not find any third-party involvement. In order to rule out an accident, the investigators examined whether it was possible for the victim to start the tractor loader himself and then still have time to place himself in front of the silo before the tractor hit the wall by itself. The investigators concluded that this was what happened and that the man intended to kill himself in this manner. The authors believe this is the only reported case of a planned system of suicide intended to cause decapitation, other than one case of a homemade guillotine and the more common decapitation by train. 1 figure and 13 references