Epidemiological characterization and findings in homicides due to suffocation with plastic bags in the city of Medellín, Colombia 2008-2021

Abstract

Introduction

This study describes the characteristics of the victims of deaths by homicidal suffocation with plastic bags in the period between 2008 and 2021, in autopsies performed at the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences of the city of Medellin.

Materials and methods

A descriptive, retrospective study was carried out, whose information was obtained from the autopsy reports made by forensic doctors of the institution.

Results

Of the 38 772 autopsies performed, 17 703 were homicides, of which 96 (0.54%) were due to the use of plastic bags to produce death. Of the 96 cases analyzed, 92.7% (89) corresponded to men and 7.3% (7) to women. The young male population between the ages of 15 and 27 was the most affected; 74.4% (71) entered as unidentified corpses and in 17.1% (14) the diagnosis of torture was considered within the analysis of the legal medical necropsy.

The findings of suffocation in the external examination were facial congestion 67.1% (55), petechiae in the conjunctivae 63.4% (52), petechiae on the face 28.0% (23), lesions in the internal oral mucosa 61.0% (50), and abrasions in the labial commissures 25.6% (21) due to the use of foreign elements in the oral cavity or the application of maneuvers to cause asphyxia. 58.5% (56) presented signs of trauma in other parts of the body that did not explain the cause of death. 36.4% (35) had plastic bags covering the head and adjusted to the neck with some element, 32.3% (31) transparent tape attached to the plastic bag that covered the head, and 31.3% (30) presented a plastic film with the trade name Vinipel MR. 76.8% (73) had their hands and feet tied when the body was found at the scene.

Conclusion

This is the first step to obtain information on the characterization of individuals and their macroscopic findings related to homicide deaths due to suffocation with plastic bags, to warn about the actions of organized criminal groups and their practices in the transnational context. However, its analysis requires an adequate exploration of the scene, the results of the investigations carried out by the authority and the performance of an exhaustive necropsy to achieve a diagnosis.