A 5-year-old child is brought dead with petechial haemorrhages on the face, scleral haemorrhages, and bruising around the nose and mouth. No ligature mark is present. The most likely cause of death is:

• A Accidental hanging
• B Throttling
• C Overlaying (accidental smothering during co-sleeping)
• D Smothering (homicidal) ✓

Explanation

Smothering involves obstruction of the external air passages (nose and mouth) by a soft object or hand. In homicidal smothering, petechial haemorrhages of the face and sclerae are common due to venous obstruction; bruising or abrasions around the nostrils and lips from the assailant pressing a hand or pillow are characteristic findings. In overlaying, the infant or child typically shows fewer discrete bruises because the compressing surface is soft and large. Throttling produces neck bruising and laryngeal injuries rather than perioral marks.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.