Chainsaw-related sub-decapitation: case report and literature review

Suicides by power saws are rare. Instruments like chainsaws and table saws are capable of causing quite extensive injuries, up to and including sub-decapitation. In this paper, we describe a case of sub-decapitation committed by a young man using a petrol chainsaw, probably by placing the blade on his left shoulder. The result was a deep wound to the neck, with injuries to the muscles, large vessels, airways and the cervical spine. In addition to the characteristics of the wounds, the autopsy established that the man was under the influence of hallucinogenic substances, casting doubt on whether it was a genuine suicide. A discussion of the peculiar aspects of this type of death is also provided, given that it is not always easy to distinguish between murder, suicide and accident. A literature review of all cases of suicide involving the use of saws is also reported, to compare all aspects of these cases.