Death Scene Characteristics in 118 Fatal Cases of Autoerotic Asphyxia Compared With Suicidal Asphyxia

A series of 118 autoerotic asphyxial deaths in Ontario & Alberta were compared with the same number of asphyxial suicides matched by province, year of death (within 3 years) & method of asphyxiation. Comparison of the death scenes revealed major differences between the 2 groups. The absence of verbal or written indication of suicidal intent was characteristic of the autoerotic asphyxia group. Data indicate that these 2 groups can be readily distinguished by death scene features. (41 refs.)