Research Articles
An unusual case of infanticide by internal compression of airways - a case report -
Authors:
Rohan Ruwanpura ,
Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya, Galle, LK
About Rohan
Consultant Judicial Medical Officer
Sriyantha Amararatne,
Registrar in Forensic Medicine, LK
Kumudu Dhahanayake
Registrar in Forensic Medicine, LK
Abstract
In Sri Lanka, as in many other jurisdictions, infanticide refers to killing of a newborn below 12 months in age, by his biological mother. Methods used in infant homicides range in a vast spectrum, including acts of omissions, asphyxia, poisoning, drowning, suffocation, and sharp and blunt force injuries etc. Internal examination revealed a “Suraya” [a cylindrical metallic object around 1cm in diameter and 5cm in length, which is used as a protective agent from evil omens] passed into the mid third of the oesophagus. The cause of death is attributed to compression of respiratory tracts due to foreign body in the oesophagus. The mother of the infant is a known psychiatric patient since six months prior to the incident.
Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine, Science & Law- December 2013;4(2):36-39
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljfmsl.v4i2.6930
How to Cite:
Ruwanpura, R., Amararatne, S. and Dhahanayake, K., 2014. An unusual case of infanticide by internal compression of airways - a case report -. Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine, Science & Law, 4(2), pp.36–39. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljfmsl.v4i2.6930
Published on
21 May 2014.
Peer Reviewed
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