[An unusual case of double death]

Arch Kriminol. 2003 Mar-Apr;211(3-4):81-9.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The report presents the case of an alleged double homicide or a homicide followed by suicide of a couple, in which the court-ordered autopsy of both victims revealed that the homicide had been committed by the husband immediately before he died himself from cardiac failure. The article gives a short summary of the pathophysiological relations between emotional tension (stress) and physical strain and the effects on the cardiovascular system. The case report describes a homicide by strangulation immediately followed by the perpetuator's death from a natural cause.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Asphyxia / pathology*
  • Autopsy / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Cause of Death
  • Coronary Thrombosis / pathology*
  • Coronary Vessels / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / pathology*
  • Homicide / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Trauma / pathology*
  • Neck Injuries / pathology*
  • Suicide / legislation & jurisprudence*