A victim has a furrow below or level with the voice box. How was this person likely killed?

Study for the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Exam. Master with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations. Prepare confidently for your test!

In cases where a victim presents with a furrow below or level with the voice box, it typically indicates the presence of a mark left by a constricting object that has applied pressure to the neck area. Ligature strangulation is characterized by this type of injury, where a cord, rope, or similar item has been tightened around the neck, causing a definitive and often clear linear impression.

This furrow is often more pronounced than those caused by other methods of asphyxiation, such as choking, which typically do not leave significant external marks. While accidental hanging can produce similar injuries, it generally occurs at a higher level on the neck, often above the larynx. Blunt force trauma can cause injuries to various areas of the neck but is less likely to result in a furrow that is consistently defined below the voice box. The specific nature of the injury described aligns closely with the mechanics of ligature strangulation, supporting it as the most likely cause of death in this scenario.

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