Maternal Filicide and Suicide of the Mother: An Autopsy-based Case Report

Filicide refers to an act in which a parent kills their child. It is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon observed globally. Despite widespread occurrence, the psychodynamics of filicides remain largely unexplored. Several aspects of this phenomenon are not always found in medical textbooks or journals. This case report intends to contribute to the patterns and findings of maternal filicides. Herein, we present a case of maternal filicide followed by suicide in a state in India. The mother smothered her son using a pillow before taking her own life. Therefore, the cause of death for both the mother and her child was associated with asphyxiation. This case emphasizes the integration of autopsy findings, crime scene analysis, and psychological evaluation of the deceased mental state before death for determining the cause and manner of death in these cases. Fibers obtained from the child's body on analysis matched with a pillow found at the crime scene. The presence of a suicide note provided a great insight into the mother's psychological state in this case. It is our opinion that reporting these events that occurred within the family leads us to understand the motivations and warning signs of maternal filicide and could prove beneficial in the pursuit of preventive child protection measures, as well as help provide early mental health intervention aside from aiding in the investigation into the cause and manner of such deaths.