An overhung mute suspect died during restraint - Is this a case of positional asphyxia?

Abstract

Positional asphyxia is a specific type of suffocation that results from the body being forced and fixed in a particular position causing death by suffocation. The body exhibits obvious general characteristics of death by suffocation. We report a case of custody death that may have been caused by positional asphyxia. The mute criminal suspect died in a detention room after arrest. The suspect was found unconscious and died following placement in a hanging position for 8 h. We reviewed the case with respect to the autopsy findings, pathological changes, and specific scene where the death occurred as well as the circumstantial correlation of the investigation.

Keywords: Autopsy; Custody restraint position; Forensic pathology; Forensic science; Positional asphyxia; Postural restriction.