Concealed homicidal strangulation by burning

Compression of the neck, either with the hands or by a ligature, is not an uncommon method of homicide. Burning of the body to try to conceal the homi cide may complicate the situation by making it difficult to interpret the f indings. We hereby report two cases of homicidal ligature strangulation wit h extensive burning of the bodies. In both cases, external findings include d the presence of a soft piece of fabric around the neck that, when removed , disclosed a portion of pale, unburned skin that vividly contrasted with s urrounding areas. Osteocartilaginous lesions were present in only one case. Carboxyhemoglobin levels in both cases were very low, and the histopatholo gic examination of distal airways for soot particles was negative.