Hangings

Having read Cecilia Rasmussen’s “L.A. Then and Now” article on lynchings in early Los Angeles (Oct. 4), I must correct a common misconception. Juan Flores, who was hanged for his crimes, was described as having to “slowly strangle because the amateur hangman had bungled the job.” Readers should be aware that even when a hanging is performed correctly and the neck is broken, they still slowly strangle to death. The difference is that when the neck is broken, the victim no longer kicks and thrashes about, since the spinal cord is usually severed. Nevertheless, death comes by gradual asphyxiation.

RICHARD C. MALLYON

Lancaster