Circumstances indicated homicidal strangulation and that the hanging
was done to avert suspicion. Post-mortem examination showed the base
of the tongue ecchymosed, and ecchymosis extending up to the soft
palate; mucous membrane of pharynx congested; connective tissue and
mucous membrane between hyoid bone and larynx congested posteriorly;
epiglottis showed slight ecchymosis, mucous membrane red. These
ecchymoses were not caused by the cord, for the latter was placed below
the hyoid bone and this bone was not broken. There were also marks on
the collar-bone like the mark of two hands.