Death by Homicidal Smothering Using Hot Steam Towel: A Case Report.

Jang, Seon Jung; Park, Jong Hyeok; Kim, Young Joo; Ham, Suk Hoon; Jo, Na Young; Ha, Hongil

doi:2013.37.2.90

Korean J Leg Med > Volume 37(2); 2013 > Article

Case Report

Korean Journal of Legal Medicine 2013;37(2):90-92.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7580/kjlm.2013.37.2.90 Published online May 31, 2013.

Death by Homicidal Smothering Using Hot Steam Towel: A Case Report.

Seon Jung Jang, Jong Hyeok Park, Young Joo Kim, Suk Hoon Ham, Na Young Jo, Hongil Ha

¹Department of Pathology, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea.
²Division of Forensic Medicine, Southern District Office, National Forensic Service, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam, Korea. sanchee@korea.kr
³Busan Metropolitan Police Agency, Busan, Korea.

Abstract

An unusual case of homicide of a 21-year-old man who was smothered with a hot steam towel by his mother and a pastoress in the name of exorcism. Homicidal smothering in adults is rare, but does occur when the victims are not capable of defending themselves in situations such as chronic illness, old age, drug intoxication or when restrained by other people. In this case, distinct facial scalding was a clue to smothering with a hot steam towel.

Key Words: Smothering, Homicide, Exorcism, Towel, Adult