Autopsies can be used to determine whether strangulation has been the cause of death. During an autopsy, the medical examiner will look for several signs that can indicate strangulation. This can include:
Injuries to the Neck
A medical examiner will examine the neck for any evidence of strangulation. This can include signs of bruising, pressure marks, and fractures to the hyoid bone and larynx. In some cases, the medical examiner may also take samples of tissue to look for other signs, such as petechiae, which are tiny red spots that appear in the skin due to suffocation or strangulation.
Internal Injuries
The medical examiner may also take samples of internal organs, such as the lungs, to look for signs of strangulation. This can include fluid in the lungs, which can indicate that the victim was unable to breathe due to strangulation. Additionally, the medical examiner may look for signs of hemorrhaging in the brain or other internal organs, which can be indicative of strangulation.
Evidence of Struggle
The medical examiner may also examine the victim’s clothing and other items in the vicinity of the crime scene for any signs of a struggle. This can include torn clothing, ligature marks, fingernail scrapings, and other evidence that suggest the victim was struggling to free themselves from the strangulation.
By looking for these signs, a medical examiner can determine whether strangulation was the cause of death. It is important to note, however, that the absence of these signs does not necessarily mean that the victim did not die from strangulation. In some cases, the medical examiner may need to conduct additional tests to confirm the cause of death.
