Autoerotic Deaths

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.Commander Vernon Geberth 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.

"There has never been such a thorough examination of autoerotic deaths, nor one as meticulously helpful to investigators as Sauvageau & Geberth’s text. Autoerotic Deaths provides a comprehensive reference that will clearly become a classic in the field."—Katherine Ramsland in Psychology Today"This is an extremely well written and elegantly illustrated book that applies the principles of Commander Geberth’s Practical Homicide Investigation to the subject of sexual asphyxias. … will be a valuable resource for law enforcement, forensic pathologists and behavioral scientists."—Barbara C. Wolf, M.D., District Medical Examiner, District 5, Florida"The book's clarity and insight on the nature of autoerotic deaths will insure that it will remain the singular, go to source by law enforcement professionals for years to come."—Detective Mark Czworniak, Area North Homicide Bureau, Chicago Police Department"The team of Sauvageau and Geberth have created the most complete professional insight into the intimate complexities of autoerotic deaths based on scientific research and extensive case experience. I believe that this text will become the ‘best practice model’ for this phenomenon. It is a sign of Geberth's skills as he combines his knowledge of forensics and clear cut dialogue that makes this a ‘must have’ for all members of the law enforcement community."––Edwin T. Dreher, Deputy Chief (Ret.) New York City Police Department"Add another resource to your death investigation library, Sauvageau and Geberth have provided the definitive text on autoerotic death investigation … . This book covers everything known about the forensic and practical aspects of investigating autoerotic deaths. It is a must read for any professional charged with investigating or determining cause and manner of these types of deaths."—Marvin Skeen Chief Criminal Investigator, Homicide Investigation and Tracking System, Washington State Office of Attorney General" … clearly written, concise, and free of confusing jargon. … the most current complete analysis of autoerotic deaths. … This outstanding book is destined to become a classic in the study and investigation of autoerotic death."—Ronald Turco, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor Oregon Health and Sciences University"Both Sauvageau and Geberth demonstrate their expertise and mastery of the subject matter throughout each chapter. … It is a must for all those practitioners who may be faced with this type of investigation."—Cathryn F. Lavery, PhD, Iona College"A review of the book’s index will immediately confirm that you have picked up the definitive textbook on autoerotic deaths. … will be a great resource to help investigators evaluate and understand crime scene presentations that involve bizarre sexual practices."—Larry Thomas, Assistant Director (Retired), Kansas Bureau of Investigation"The latest book in the renowned Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations Series, Autoerotic Deaths: Practical Forensic and Investigative Perspectives, is co-authored by forensic pathologist Anny Sauvageau, M.D., Chief Medical Examiner of Alberta, Canada and founder of the Working Group on Human Asphyxia, and series Editor Vernon J. Geberth, retired Lieutenant Commander of the Bronx Homicide Task Force with the New York City Police Department. This 164 page text includes numerous full-color photographs of autoerotic death scenes. The book also provides numerous checklists for the death scene investigator that give practical guidance, particularly in the investigation of atypical scenes, and highlight the best practices for the investigation of these deaths. The [authors’] analysis of … videotaped deaths allows the authors to debunk many myths that have been perpetuated. The result provides the forensic community the definitive treatise on the subject of autoerotic asphyxia … a comprehensive text that will be a valuable resource for law enforcement, forensic pathologists, and behavioral scientists."—Journal of Forensic Sciences (American Academy of Forensic Sciences), May 2014

• Autoerotic Death: Historical Context. Definition, Incidence, and Best Practices in Approaching These Deaths. Death Scene Characteristics. Typical Methods of Autoerotic Deaths: Hanging. Typical Methods of Autoerotic Deaths: Asphyxia by Plastic Bags and Chemical Substances. Atypical Methods of Autoerotic Deaths. Atypical Victims. Index.