This course is designed to bring you to an understanding of what autoerotic fatalities are, and what they are not. This course is extremely graphic and serves to teach you how these deaths occur. The course will give you the information needed to interpret and investigate a death suspected of autoerotic causes.

1. “peer to peer training”
Autoerotic
Fatalities
Interpreting the Scene
Darren Dake
darren@coronertalk.com

2. Course Overview
This course is designed to bring you to an
understanding of what autoerotic fatalities are,
and what they are not. This course is extremely
graphic and serves to teach you how these
deaths occur. The course will give you the
information needed to interpret and investigate
a death suspected of autoerotic causes.

3. Some like it kinky - ’til it kills
‘em
Autoerotic
Fatalities

4. Course Objectives
At the end of the course participants will:
1. Understand the definition of Autoerotic deaths
2. Know the two classifications of autoerotic deaths
3. Recognize the 15 scene features present in these deaths
4. Know victimology statistics of most common victim
5. Understand what autoerotic deaths are attributable to
6. Know the most common for of autoerotic cause of death
7. Know the four basic methods of asphyxiation
8. Understand the agonal sequence in hanging deaths
9. Understand why crime scene work is so vital in these types of deaths
10.Explain what the investigation triangle is as it relates to investigations

5. Course Objectives
At the end of the course participants will:
11. Know the basic of scene interpretation
12. Know the process of collecting evidence from the body
13. Understand the importance of and the process to; a proper history investigation
14. Understand the need to look for scene alterations
15. Understand the psychology of the victim
16. Understand the meaning of “paraphilia”
17. Understand the three components in the history investigation

6. Warning
Do not attempt any of the
autoerotic activities described
or depicted in this course.
These activities are inherently
dangerous and carry a
substantial risk of death.
There is no reason to believe
that these activities are
pleasurable to the average
person, and there is every
reason to believe they may
prove fatal.

7. Definition
Autoerotic deaths are accidental deaths
that occur during solitary sexual activity in
which some type of apparatus that was used
to enhance the sexual stimulation of the
deceased caused the unintentional death.
Obj. 1

8. Need for Education
It is believed that between 500 - 1500 autoerotic
accidental deaths occur in the United States each year.
That number could be higher, but scene interpretations are
missed due to lack of investigation and training.
Education funds get funneled to documented problems, the
more we report correctly the better risk education will
funded

9. Understanding These Deaths
It is sometimes hard for investigators to
understand how these deaths can be sexual in
nature. But it is important to remember that there
are three general sources of sexual pleasure:
1. Stimulation of the genital organs
2. Lack of oxygen to the central nervous system
3. The creation of a fear and anguish
atmosphere

10. Understanding These Deaths
At first, the asphyxia will often be combined with
masturbation or sexual intercourse, but over time, the need
to masturbate at the same time will decrease , and the
asphyxia itself becomes the sexual activity.
It is important to understand that evidence of masturbation
during the fatal event is NOT mandatory. On the contrary, it
is rare that such evidence will be found..

11. The Psychology
To better understand the investigative process
of autoerotic deaths, it is important to
understand the sexual nature of these deaths
and the psychology leading to the acts
of the practitioner.
Obj 15

12. The Psychology
Hypoxyphilia
is a paraphilia which is a sub-category of
sexual masochism. Also known by terms
such as asphyxiophilia, autoerotic or
sexual asphyxia.

13. The Psychology
In short, paraphilia’s are considered to be a
component of the person's entire
psychological makeup. They cannot be
"fixed", but their effects can be suppressed.
They should not be looked at as mere
preferences. They are seen as being
pervasive, affecting all components of a
person's lifestyle, thinking, and emotional
states.
Obj 16

14. The Psychology
These paraphillias may be numerous or
fixated on just one.
The investigator must understand the
compulsion and NOT prejudge theses deaths.

15. Victimology
Typical victim of an autoerotic accident is a white male
average age 33. In a 50 year study:
96% are Male 96% White
Females are rare, as are blacks, Asian, and Native
Americans .
Youngest reported case age 9 Oldest 89
15 to 19 years old represent only 5% to 16% of victims
Obj 4

16. Female Victims
❖ In the study, only 25 cases of female victims
were reported. However, it is believed that
the numbers are higher because of miss
reads of the scene, and the assumption by
investigators that it is only a male thing.

17. Classifications of Autoerotic
Death
❖ Typical
Meaning that the death fits into the standard set for
such accidental deaths as it relates to victimology,
method, paraphilia, and history
❖ Atypical
The other ones
Obj 2

18. Scene Features
15 scene features can be encountered, in
different combinations, at the scenes of
autoerotic deaths:
Obj 3

19. Scene Features
1. Nudity
2. Exposed Genitals
3. Cross-Dressing
4. Evidence of Masturbation Activity
5. Foreign Body Insertion in the Anus
6. Lubricants
7. Pornography
8. Mirror

20. Scene Features
9. Video Recording
10. Covering of face ( mask, duct tape, panty hose, etc)
11. Bondage of Genitals
12. Other Bondage ( arms, legs, and body bound)
13. Other Masochistic Behavior
14. Protective Padding in Hanging
15. Evidence of Repetitive Behavior

21. Nudity
Commonly, the victim is found nude or with exposed
genitals. This is an important clue to the possibility of
autoerotic death. However, not all dead bodies found nude
or with exposed genitals are victims of autoerotic death.
(and)
Not all victims of autoerotic deaths are found nude or with
exposed genitals.

22. Masturbation Mandate
It has been wrongly believed by many investigators that
evidence of masturbation (exposed genitals or presents of
semen) had to be present for the autoerotic ruling .
This is NOT true. Sexual pleasure is sometimes gained
simply by the actions of the victim - and sometimes as a
precursor - or sexual stimulate - prior to masturbation.

23. Masturbation Mandate
As For Semen
In hanging deaths semen can be frequently found due to
spontaneous ejaculation caused by a nerve response.
Further, it was commonly observed in the day of public hanging
that the condemned would get an erection after dropping from
the gallows floor. This is believed to be a symptom of a
severed spinal cord.
(this led people to believe that hanging caused sexual pleasure)

24. Autoerotic Death Attributable
To
❖ Ligature Compression of the Neck
❖ Airway Obstruction
❖ Chest Compression
❖ Chemicals or Gases
❖ Electrical Stimulation
❖ Foreign Body Insertion (penis or anus)
Obj 5

25. Asphyxial Fatalities Most
Common
The most common form of dangerous
autoerotic activity involves the use of
some technique for reducing the
oxygen to the brain to achieve an
altered state of consciousness.
Obj 6

26. Four Basic Methods of
Asphyxiation
1. Neck Compression (ligature)
2. Oxygen exclusion (chemical or gases)
3. Airway Obstruction (bags and hoods)
4. Chest Compression (ropes,pressure, position)
Obj 7

27. Asphyxial Fatalities
It is important to note the distinction between autoerotic or
sexual asphyxia on the one hand, and asphyxia as a cause
of death on the other -
Autoerotic asphyxia refers to the use of asphyxia to
heighten sexual arousal, more often than not with nonfatal
outcome.
The practitioner who dies, most often dies from an
overdose of asphyxiation.

28. Accidental Asphyxial Fatalities
The autoerotic practitioner who dies while engaged in such
acts, most often dies from an overdose of asphyxiation
when, for one reason or another, becomes unable to
terminate his means of enjoyment.
Positional such as fall, slips, etc. or if victim becomes
unconscious.

29. Accidental Asphyxial Fatalities
Sometimes however, someone engaged in autoerotic
asphyxia may die a non-asphyxial death - such as heart
attack, stroke, or exposure.
This will change the manor of death to natural. NOT
autoerotic asphyxia

30. Asphyxial Death Process
Amount of pressure to occlude the neck structures
Jugular Veins 4.5 lbs
Carotid Arteries 11 lbs
Trachea 33 lbs
Vertebral Arteries 66 lbs
(On average the human head weighs 10 pounds)

31. Agonal Sequence in Hanging
Loss of Consciousness 10 +- 3s
Convulsions 14 +- 3s
Decerebrate Rigidity 19 +- 5s (extended)
Start of deep rhythmic abdominal respiratory movements 19 +- 5s
Decorticate Rigidity 38 +- 15s (flexion)
Loss of muscle tone 1 min 17s +- 25s
End of deep respiratory movements 1 min 51s +- 30s
Last muscle movement 4 min 12s +- 2 min 29s
Obj 8

32. Videos of Actual Hanging
Deaths

33. Neck Compression

34. Airway Obstruction

35. Oxygen Exclusion

36. Chest Compression

37. Body Wrapping and Over
Dressing

38. Evidence of Neck Protection

39. Autoerotic Fatalities
Part Two
Interpreting the Scene

40. Why Crime Scene Work is
Important
1.Your job is to get the correct answers
2.Insurance Issues
3.Stigma of Death - Suicide v. Accident
4.Education Based on Statistics
Obj 9

41. What you see may not be true
As in any investigation, you should never rely
solely on what you see. Without doing a
complete investigation you will never find the
truth.
DO NOT go in with preconceived ideas or basis

42. Investigation Triangle
Body History
Scene Obj 10

43. Investigation Triangle
Warning
Many autoerotic deaths may look like
homicide or suicide. Work the case
out fully before ruling

44. Investigation Triangle
The investigator must consider all aspects of the triangle of
forensic investigation. There is an interdependence of all
evidence, and none of these elements can be interpreted
separately. Each of these elements are equally important.
Without this integrated approach, homicides could be
missed, or suicides and natural deaths could be
misinterpreted as autoerotic.

45. Investigation of the Scene
It is important to look at what is present as well as what is
not present.
Family, spouses, parents - may sometimes alter the scene
to avoid the embarrassment of what they found, or to save
the embarrassment of the deceased.
* Be sure to interview the person who discovered the body
quickly and look for indicators as to alteration

46. Investigation of the Scene
Search of scene area: May require search warrant
❖ Pornography
❖ Lubricants and Sexual Aids
❖ Mirror
❖ Video
❖ Was privacy ensured by deceased

47. Investigation of the Scene
Many times victims will have hands and feet tied, often
behind their back. May look like homicide.
Determine if binding - including ligature - could be applied
by victim - could they have gotten out if not unconscious..
If padlocks are used - are keys within reach
Look for escape mechanism
Obj 11

48. Investigation of the Scene
The autoerotic death scene will contain and
rich mixture of characteristics noted in the 15
scene features earlier. It is important that no
suicide note is found - unless the note is part
of the autoerotic act.

49. Investigation of the Scene
Fantasies
Many times the scene will look staged.
Some practitioners like to live out fantasies
of violent deaths and murder.
Acting on themselves what they dream of
doing to others..

50. Evidence of Scene Alterations
It is not uncommon for family or friends to
alter a scene prior to LE or EMS arrival out of
fear of embarrassment.
Many factors can be looked for to determine
if a scene may have been altered.
Obj 14

51. Evidence of Scene Alterations
Scene Alterations:
Look for ligature marks but no ligatures
Does clothing look dressed wrong
Does what the witness says match the scene
Look in closet, under bed, clothes hamper for evidence
❖ Wigs, Women clothing or shoes, sexual aids

52. Examination of the Body
As with every death scene. All the basics of the body
appearance and identifiers should be documented.
Document closely area such as:
❖ Clothing - Shoes - Wigs
❖ Body Position
❖ Bindings
❖ Sexual Aids
Obj 12

53. Examination of the Body
Be sure to also document areas used for Time of Death
consideration:
❖ Livor Mortis
❖ Rigor Mortis
❖ Decomposition Stage
❖ Body Temperature (if applicable)
❖ Witness Statements - (last seen alive)

54. Bruising of Arms and Legs
You may see bruising of the arms and legs due
to the agonal response of the body and
convulsions.
Common if death occurred in small confined
area such as closet, hall, or tub. Forearms,
elbows, and knees striking walls.

55. Petechiae
Pinpoint hemorrhages resulting from the rupture
of small vessels due to build up pressure. Despite
the fact that it is considered one of the so-called
classic signs of asphyxia, petechiae are not
always present in hanging deaths.
Suspension v. Partial Suspension
(equalling pressure)

57. Suffocation Death by Plastic
Bag
Particular attention should be taken to describe
and document the type plastic bag, the position of
the bag in relation to the head, mouth, and nose;
and if bag is secured or not around the neck.
If ligature of present; type and degree of tightness.
IF DEAD - DO NOT REMOVE BAG

58. History
No determination can be made without a
complete history investigation.
Regardless of what the scene “looks” like.
Only after a complete history investigation can
a determination be made.
Obj 13

59. History
The investigator needs to preform history evaluations in
areas such as:
• Medical
• Psychiatric
• Sexual
Obj 16

60. Computers
It is important that any computers
the victim may have had access to
be seized and a forensic inspection
conducted

61. Computers
This investigation will reveal
photographs stored, internet searches,
and chat rooms visited. From this a
profile of the victim will emerge.

62. Look for history
Look for history of past autoerotic acts:
1. Photos - Videos
2. Drawings, letter, journal
3. Conversations with friends
History provides a based for decision into the mind set of
the victim.

63. History
** KEY POINT -
No history of suicidal ideation should be found
If there is any doubt or indication of suicide, it is
better to rule the death suicide or undetermined,
depending on the degree of probability, rather
than to label it autoerotic .

64. History
Witness / Family Interviews
Often close friends or family will report a past sexual
history of interest. Maybe even report walking in on or
surprising the victim in the act.
Have notice marks in deceased neck in the past or have
asked people to participate in similar acts.
(old girlfriends are great witnesses)

65. Autoerotic Fatalities
Part Three
Scene Review and Case
Studies

66. Case Example
Key Factors
• 13 year old while female found attic storage area of home
• Belt around neck, tied with rope to rafter
• Boy’s boxers and T-shirt - no bra
• Was in standing position knees bent
• No safety mechanism other than standing to relieve pressure
Suicide or Autoerotic Accident ?

67. Case One - Scene
Investigation
Nothing around the body, no known scene features
Investigator noted that the rope appeared to have been in
place for a while. Knot was not newly tied expect to the belt
No suicide note located

68. Case One - Scene
Investigation
Search of Bedroom:
• Small bullet vibrator found in bottom dresser drawer along with a
pornographic book depicting lesbian acts
• Journal seized - feeling of sexual interest, love with another girl - girl
had recently rejected victim’s advance, had been abused - older
(female) cousin introduced her to the vibrator.
• Nothing else in room found - laptop computer and cell phone seized

69. Case One - Body
Nothing found on body of investigative value
except for the ligature information.
Cause of death was ligature strangulation.

70. Case One - History
Family & Friends Interview
• No signs of suicide - no recent major or emotional trauma
• Parents were not aware of lesbian feelings (Strong Christian)
• Family life stable - mom, step-dad, brother (age 16)
• Privately brother told of masturbation conversation-curious
• School work good - no recent problems (verified by school)
• Natural father dead - unable to contact

71. Case One - History
Family & Friends Interview
Love interest interviewed - no big issues - still were friends
Other friends:
• Knew of victim’s bi-curiosity
• No suicide conversations
• Virgin as far as they knew - flet they would know

72. Case One - History
Computer and Phone
Phone showed normal conversations with friends, No internet searches,
One text conversation interesting with friend.
Night of death:
V. gotta go gonna cum
F. lol ok :-)
V. ttyl
F. k

73. Case One - History
Computer and Phone
Computer search reveled google searches for bondage,
teen lesbian chat rooms, 2 article searched for and read on
strangulation during sex. Viewed photos included
autoerotic depiction.

74. Case One
Suicide or Autoerotic Accident ?

75. Facilitated Discussion
Review of cases in groups and Q&A

76. “peer to peer training”
Darren Dake
darren@coronertalk.com