A WRITER'S GUIDE TO MURDER
TRIGGER-WARNING: Vivid descriptions of death and dead bodies.
Perhaps one of the oldest ways to murder someone. Think about it: all you need is either your hands or an object that can be wrapped around someone's neck. It's often used for passionate murders -- at least, in the sense that the murderer feels the victim die in his or her hands. We're not talking about the other type of passion here (though maybe some inspiration if you're writing a smut/horror novel).
Strangulation is a severe and often lethal form of asphyxia characterized by the closure of blood vessels and air passages in the neck due to external pressure. This form of violence can cause significant physical and psychological trauma, and it is a crucial topic for writers to understand when depicting scenes of conflict or crime. Strangulation can be divided into two main types: manual strangulation, which involves using the hands, and ligature strangulation, which involves using a cord or similar object. Each method has distinct mechanisms, symptoms, and implications for the victim.
Manual Strangulation
Manual strangulation involves the assailant using their hands to compress the victim’s neck, obstructing both blood flow and air passages. This form of strangulation is often portrayed in dramatic scenes due to its intimate and physically intense nature.
Mechanism
The primary targets during manual strangulation are the carotid arteries, jugular veins, and the trachea. By applying pressure to these areas, the assailant can cause severe harm quickly. Typically, the thumbs are used to press on the larynx (voice box) while the fingers encircle the neck, applying pressure from multiple points.
Carotid Arteries: Compression of these arteries reduces blood flow to the brain, causing rapid unconsciousness within 10-15 seconds. If the pressure is sustained, brain hypoxia (lack of oxygen) can occur, leading to irreversible brain damage or death within 4-6 minutes.
Jugular Veins: Compression of the jugular veins impedes the return of blood from the brain to the heart, contributing to increased intracranial pressure and potential unconsciousness.
Trachea: Direct pressure on the trachea obstructs the airway, leading to asphyxia. This can cause immediate difficulty in breathing and potential suffocation if the pressure persists.
Symptoms
The physical signs of manual strangulation can be varied and may provide crucial evidence in both medical and forensic investigations.
Bruising and Redness: There may be visible bruising or redness around the neck where pressure was applied. These marks can vary in intensity depending on the force and duration of the strangulation.
Petechiae: Small red or purple spots caused by bleeding, known as petechiae, can appear on the face and eyes due to the increased pressure in the blood vessels.
Hoarseness or Loss of Voice: Damage to the larynx can result in a hoarse voice or temporary loss of voice. In severe cases, fractures of the larynx or hyoid bone may occur.
Neurological Symptoms: Prolonged hypoxia can lead to brain damage, resulting in long-term cognitive or motor deficits.
Lethality
Manual strangulation can be fatal if pressure is maintained long enough. The rapid onset of unconsciousness followed by sustained brain hypoxia can lead to death within minutes. Survivors may suffer from long-term brain damage due to the extended lack of oxygen, highlighting the critical nature of timely intervention.
Ligature Strangulation
Ligature strangulation involves using an object such as a rope, cord, belt, or scarf to constrict the neck. This method can be particularly lethal due to the ability to maintain constant pressure without requiring continuous physical effort from the assailant.
Mechanism
The mechanism of ligature strangulation is similar to that of manual strangulation, involving the compression of the carotid arteries, jugular veins, and trachea. However, the use of a ligature introduces some unique dynamics.
Constant Pressure: Unlike manual strangulation, a ligature can maintain continuous pressure without the assailant’s direct effort. This can lead to prolonged compression of the neck, increasing the risk of fatal outcomes.
Positional Asphyxia: In cases of hanging or other scenarios where the victim's weight contributes to the pressure of the ligature, positional asphyxia can occur. The weight of the body ensures that the pressure on the neck is sustained, leading to rapid unconsciousness and death if not promptly addressed.
Symptoms
The signs of ligature strangulation can be distinctive, providing important clues in a forensic investigation.
Ligature Marks: These marks are often horizontal or diagonal and may include abrasions or bruising around the site of compression. The pattern and depth of the marks can provide insights into the type of ligature used.
Petechiae: As with manual strangulation, petechiae can appear on the face and eyes due to increased pressure in the blood vessels.
Fractures: Severe cases may involve fractures of the hyoid bone or larynx, indicative of significant force.
Defensive Wounds: Victims of ligature strangulation may have defensive wounds on their hands and arms from attempting to remove the ligature or fend off the assailant.
Lethality
Ligature strangulation can be more lethal than manual strangulation due to the ability to maintain continuous pressure. Death can occur within minutes if the ligature is not removed. The sustained compression leads to rapid unconsciousness and, without intervention, results in fatal hypoxia.
For Writers: Writing Realistic Strangulation Scenes
Understanding the mechanics and consequences of strangulation is crucial for writers aiming to create realistic and impactful scenes. Here are some considerations and tips for accurately depicting strangulation in your writing.
Building Tension
Strangulation is a deeply personal and violent act, often involving a struggle between the victim and the assailant. Describing the physical struggle, the desperation of the victim, and the exertion of the assailant can heighten the tension in your scene. Consider the following:
Physical Struggle: Detail the initial shock and resistance of the victim. The frantic attempts to pull away, the flailing limbs, and the gasping for breath can all add to the sense of urgency.
Emotional Impact: Capture the fear and panic of the victim, as well as the determination or rage of the assailant. This emotional depth can make the scene more gripping and intense.
Descriptive Details
The physical effects of strangulation can provide vivid and disturbing imagery for your readers. Incorporate specific details to enhance the realism of your scene:
Visible Signs: Describe the bruising, redness, and petechiae on the victim’s neck and face. Mention the hoarseness or loss of voice if the victim survives the initial attack.
Sensory Experiences: Highlight the sensations of strangulation—the tightening pressure on the neck, the struggle to draw breath, and the encroaching darkness as consciousness fades.
Aftermath and Consequences
The aftermath of a strangulation attempt can be just as important as the act itself, providing opportunities for character development and plot progression:
Survivor’s Trauma: If the victim survives, explore the physical and psychological trauma they endure. Long-term effects such as brain damage, PTSD, or vocal damage can add depth to their character and influence their actions moving forward.
Forensic Evidence: Consider how the evidence left behind by strangulation (e.g., ligature marks, defensive wounds) can play a role in the investigation and resolution of the crime. This can add layers of intrigue and realism to your story.
Historical and Cultural Context
Strangulation has been used throughout history and across cultures as a method of execution, punishment, and murder. Understanding these contexts can enrich your writing and provide historical accuracy.
Execution and Punishment
In various cultures, strangulation has been employed as a method of execution, often seen as a more "controlled" form of capital punishment compared to other methods. For instance:
Ancient Rome: Strangulation was used as a form of capital punishment, particularly for slaves and lower-class criminals. The condemned would often be strangled in a public spectacle, serving as a warning to others.
Medieval Europe: Execution by hanging, a form of ligature strangulation, was common for a wide range of crimes. The condemned were often paraded through the streets before being hanged, highlighting the use of strangulation as a tool of public justice and deterrence.
Murder and Crime
Strangulation is a common method of murder in both historical and contemporary contexts due to its accessibility and effectiveness. Understanding the motivations and circumstances can add depth to your crime scenes:
Crimes of Passion: Strangulation often occurs in intimate, personal conflicts where the assailant has close physical contact with the victim. This can include domestic violence situations, where the act is driven by intense emotions such as rage or jealousy.
Serial Killers: Strangulation is a method favored by some serial killers due to the control it affords over the victim. The personal nature of strangulation can reflect the psychological state and motivations of the perpetrator, adding complexity to your character development.
Conclusion
Strangulation is a powerful and disturbing act that can be portrayed with great effect in storytelling. By understanding the mechanisms, symptoms, and consequences of both manual and ligature strangulation, writers can create scenes that are not only realistic but also deeply impactful. Whether used in crime thrillers, historical dramas, or intense personal conflicts, the detailed depiction of strangulation can add a layer of authenticity and emotional weight to your narrative. As with any sensitive topic, it’s important to approach it with care and accuracy, ensuring that the portrayal is respectful and truthful to the real-life implications of such violence.
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Jake Zuurbier, born in 2002, is a writer with a broad background. With a degree in both Business and Management, his work in writing is combined with a business in books & home decor, sports clothing & gear and multiple forms of other output like music or meditations. He has worked jobs in retail and horeca, ranging from working kitchen in a hotel-restaurant to a floor manager position in a clothing store.
In his free time, he is just as occupied. Photography, weight lifting, kickboxing, cooking and reading are amongst his hobbies.
To learn more, or get in contact, visit www.apolloimperium.com/jakezuurbier
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