Soldier's 'Naked Chokehold' Method Explained by Pathologist

A forensic pathologist has detailed the lethal effectiveness of the "naked chokehold," a method used in a recent homicide case where a soldier allegedly killed his wife.

Dr. Kao Ta-cheng explained that this technique, applied from behind with an arm wrapped around the victim's throat and pressure applied to the jaw area, can induce unconsciousness within 30 seconds to one minute. Death typically follows within five minutes due to asphyxiation and brain oxygen deprivation. He noted that the method makes escape difficult and often results in fractures to the thyroid cartilage, with bruising on the jaw being a telltale sign visible externally.

Kao highlighted that the perpetrator must be significantly stronger than the victim for the chokehold to be successful. He also commented on the suspect's actions after the alleged murder, noting that the 24-year-old soldier waited three days before reporting his wife's death. Kao stated that the human body typically begins to show signs of decomposition and odor within 12 to 24 hours, with bruising appearing around the groin area and distinct patterns of lividity developing over the next couple of days.

Based on the timeline provided and typical post-mortem changes, Kao suggested that external examination of the body could help determine the approximate time of death. The case involves a soldier who allegedly used this brutal method on his wife during an argument on Lunar New Year's Eve, subsequently concealing her body before alerting authorities.