ABSTRACT
Death scene characteristics as main clues to the sexual autoerotic nature The autoerotic nature of a death is mainly established by the death scene. Several features are commonly observed at the scene of autoerotic deaths: nudity or exposed genitals, cross-dressing, pornography, mirror or video recording, bondage, evidence of masochistic behavior, protective padding in hanging cases, evidence of masturbatory activity, and evidence of repetitive behavior. These various scene characteristics constitute clues to the accidental nature of the sexually related death. Regardless of the autoerotic method used (e.g., hanging, chemical gases, electrocution), the investigation team is led in the direction of an accidental autoerotic death by the presence of these characteristics at the scene.
