Autoerotic Deaths: Practical Forensic and Investigative Perspectives

Autoerotic Deaths: Practical Forensic and Investigative Perspectives is a collaboration between two internationally known experts who combine their extensive experience to present a scientific, modern view of autoerotic death—complete with a wide variety of exquisite case histories, photographs, and investigator tips.

Chief Medical Examiner Anny Sauvageau of Alberta, Canada and retired NYPD Lieutenant Commander Vernon J. Geberth bring considerable insight to this volume, providing practical and conventional information based on scientific research and case experience from the field. Enhanced with more than 100 color photos, the book explores:

• The evolution of the concept of sexual asphyxia and autoerotic death



• The definition and epidemiology of autoerotic death, pitfalls involved in the application of the term autoerotic, and best practices for approaching these death scenes



• Death scene characteristics and the importance of recognizing clues to the autoerotic nature of a death



• Methods of autoerotic death, including hanging, plastic bags, chemical substances, and other less-common scenarios



• Atypical victims of autoerotic deaths

Using a case history format, the book presents a complete analysis of all aspects of this unusual and unfortunate type of death. The combination of theory and practice, along with up-to-date science, makes this book an unparalleled resource for all those involved in the investigation of these peculiar incidents.

Dr. Anny Sauvageau is an associate clinical professor at the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary anda well-known world expert on asphyxia. She has a founder designation in forensic pathology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in recognition of her significant contribution to the development of this new specialty in Canada. From 2007 to 2012, she was vice president of the Forensic Pathology Examination Board of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She is also one of the founders and the program director of the residency program in forensic pathology at the University of Alberta. She is the author of more than 75 papers in peer-reviewed forensic journals and a much sought-after international speaker. She is the founder of the Working Group on Human Asphyxia and the cofounder of the International Network for Forensic Research. Her innovative approach toward forensic research has significantly improved the understanding of the pathophysiology of hanging and other types of strangulation.

is a retired lieutenant commander of the New York City Police Department with over 40 years of law enforcement experience. He is a nationally renowned lecturer, author, educator, consultant, and expert witness on the subject of death investigation. He has appeared on numerous local, national, and international television programs to answer questions on the subject of murder and provide insight, analysis, and commentary with respect to all aspects of homicide and death investigations. Geberth has been referenced as a media consultant on myriad national major cases across the United States and Canada. Over 66,500 members from over 8,000 law enforcement agencies have attended Geberth’s Practical Homicide Investigation seminars. In his seminars, Geberth focuses on his textbooks stressing advanced tactics, procedures, and forensic techniques and presents equivocal death, suicide, and missed investigations as well as serial murder investigation and the application of abnormal psychology to the investigative process.