An unusual case of infanticide by internal compression of airways : a case report

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.