Overview
Decapitation may occur by a number of mechanisms and for a number of reasons.
Conditions associated with decapitation:
(1) sharp cutting device
(1a) sword or other sharp weapon (warfare, execution)
(1b) guillotine (execution)
(1c) dismemberment post-mortem (rage against the victim, intent to dispose, intent to hide identity)
(1d) mechanical equipment such as a saw (accident)
(1e) train or trolley (suicide or accident)
(2) shearing action with high speed movement across a fixed object
(2a) motor vehicle impact (vehicle-assisted)
(2b) fixed object across a motorway, railway, rollercoaster, etc
(3) pulling on a noose of material around the neck
(3a) hanging (homicide or suicide)
(3b) tying a rope around the neck and then driving away at high speed (suicide)
(3c) clothing around the neck caught in a machine (accident)
(4) explosion
(5) bullet through the neck
(6) flying material that crosses the neck
(6a) metal cable or other whip
(6b) object in a motor vehicle sent flying during a sudden deceleration (building material, surfboard, etc)
A false decapitation may occur during advanced decomposition.
