Hanging vs. Strangulation: What Do We Know about Differentiating Suicide from Concealed Homicide?
Abstract
Indicators at the scene and in the decedent’s history can be used to discriminate between suicidal hangings and homicides by strangulation. There is little agreement in the medical literature on expected injuries in these cases, with external soft tissue injuries and presentation of the tongue providing useful discrimination in some cases. Police must consider all factors, including relationship and abuse history, ask for secondary medical opinions, and treat hanging deaths of women as suspicious until proven otherwise.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Restraint-Related Deaths
Homicide
Infanticide
and Child Abuse
Intimate Partner and Family Violence
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Applied police briefings :
- Volume
- 3
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 14–16
- Publication date
- 4 February 2026