[Homicide simulating electrocution suicide by spinal anesthesia].

A married woman was found dead with indications of suicide by electricity (household-voltage). On coroner's inquest (typical electric lesions at the wrist) and the result of police investigation, there was no indication of third party involvement. The cadaver war firstly released to burial, but on account of indication of conflicts between the married couple, a forensic autopsy was arranged. The most important pathological finding was a fresh puncture between L3/L4. On toxicological investigation, toxic concentrations of the local anaesthetic prilocaine were found in liquor and organs. Cause of death was central respiratory- and circulatory depression. The husband, an anaesthesist, blamed he was assisting the suicide of his wife at her request. He was found guilty by reasons of manslaughter but not for murder.