Confusing injury findings in a suicidal gunshot fired to the chest from a carbine with a sawed-off barrel

The stellate bullet entrance wound is one of the facultative features of a contact shot. For the formation of a star-shaped wound two factors are of special importance: first, an extensive bony support underlying the skin in the entrance region, and second, a strong propellant charge of the cartridge fired. Contact shots to the precordial region usually do not cause stellate entrance wounds, even if high-powered rifle ammunition is used. In the reported case, an injury pattern was observed that was not in line with normal findings and seemed confusing at first. Following a suicidal gunshot to the chest from a sawed-off carbine 98a (cal. 8 x 57 Js), a 4.5 cm wide, gaping bullet entrance wound with radiating tears was found. Instead of the usual pocket, the anterior thoracic wall showed a fist-sized area of destruction with extensive undermining of the subcutis. Not far from the entrance hole, a rib fragment had become displaced retrogradely thus perforating the skin from the inside out. The unusual pattern of findings could be explained by the fact that the barrel had been sawed off: as a result of this manipulation, a considerable part of the propellant charge had been converted outside the barrel, i.e. in the initial section of the bullet path.     

Multiple suicidal gunshots to the head

We report two cases of suicide by multiple gunshots to the head. The first victim (of two shots) fired the first shot, which was observed, into his mouth, leading to damage to the left optic nerve and frontal lobe. The man still was able to drive his car home, where he shot himself in his right temple. He died 2 days later. The second victim (of three shots) was a 58-year-old man who was found dead on his bed. Reconstruction of the case disclosed that the first shot had passed through his tongue and slightly damaged the second cervical vertebral body. He then shot himself in his right temple, leading to damage of the temporal lobe. Finally, he shot himself in his left temple, resulting in destruction of the pons. In the first case, an amateurishly modified 8-mm blank revolver firing 6.35-mm- (.25)-caliber ammunition was used; in the second case, a rifle firing 5.6-mm (.22)-caliber ammunition with a reduced charge was used. In both cases, low-energy transfer to brain tissue by the initial bullets was due to low bullet energy or due to the bullets' missing the brain or vital centers.     

A new type of shotgun ammunition produces unique wound characteristics

The Tucson Police Department, Tucson, AZ, has begun using the Polyshok Impact Reactive Projectile (IRP), a new type of shotgun ammunition that includes a lead bead core that travels within single, plastic-encased projectile. On impact, the core is released to distribute over a small area, thereby disintegrating on impact to reduce the likelihood of exit or collateral damage on missed shots. After a brief review of shotgun slug ballistics and wound characteristics and a discussion of the mechanism of the Polyshok IRP, we report the first death in the United States from this ammunition. Findings included a single entrance wound with plastic ammunition components and small lead particles recovered from the body, the combination of which normally would suggest a close-range shooting with birdshot. However, the characteristics of this ammunition create different patterns than are found with slugs or shot, so that a medical examiner unfamiliar with the Polyshok IRP could draw inaccurate conclusions about ammunition and range of fire. Because the single projectile fired from this ammunition is composed of both plastic and lead, plastic components are likely to be found within the wound at any range of fire, unlike traditional shot or slug ammunition. Also, the small size of lead particles found spread through the wound cavity would ordinarily suggest a small-size shot, whereas the external appearance of the wound (a single entrance with no dispersion of shot) and the pattern of tissue destruction are more consistent with the patterns of injury associated with shotgun slugs.     

Forensic-medical assessment of irritant distribution on the target in gas firearm shots

Distribution of irritant on the target after a shot from a 99 mm gas gun ME-38 COMPACT from different distances and gas gun MAUZER (a 9 mm HSc model) in use of different ammunition was studied. There is a correlation between irritant distribution characteristics, distance of shot and cartridge brand.     

Investigating the effect of changing ammunition on the composition of organic additives in gunshot residue (OGSR)

The measurement of the organic additives in smokeless gunpowder is an attractive approach for the detection of handgun use because it provides compositional information that can help associate residues and unfired gunpowder. We investigate several factors that will be required to advance the characterization of organic gunshot residue (OGSR) as a useful forensic tool, including evaluating residue contamination from previously fired ammunition, particle-to-particle compositional variability, and compositional features resulting from the type of firing primer used. Using ammunition loaded with known smokeless powders containing different stabilizers, a sequence of shots was fired from a .357 magnum revolver, and the muzzle exit residues were collected. Compositional analysis of the residues, both in bulk and as single particles, showed only a trace of the previously fired powder in the first shot and none in subsequent shots. In an additional experiment testing conventional leaded and the new lead-free firing primers, the OGSR composition was found not to depend on the primer type.     

Case report of a homicide by a shotgun loaded with unusual ammunition

Reported is the case of a man killed by a neighbor with a shotgun loaded with a unusual ammunition. The cartridge contained several shots chained together by metallic wires. Such ammunition has been used for hunting purposes but is now banned, so it can be handmade only. The joined pellets produce a wound with features that are different from those of a wound made by a regular load of pellets. Several interpretive problems are caused by the unknown number of pellets contained in the shell and the effects of the wire holding the shot together.     

Dynamic pressure measurement of cartridge operated vole captive bolt devices

IntroductionVole captive bolt devices are powder actuated spring guns that are used as a pest control mean. After having triggered the explosion of the blank cartridge by touching a metal ring around the muzzle, the vole is killed by the massive propulsion of the gas jet. Improper use and recklessness while handling these devices may cause severe injuries with the hand of the operator at particular risk. Currently, there are no experimental investigations on the ballistic background of these devices.MethodsAn experimental test set-up was designed for measurement of the firing pressure and the dynamic force of the gas jet of a vole captive bolt device. Therefore, a vole captive bolt device was prepared with a pressure take-off channel and a piezoelectric transducer for measurement of the firing pressure. For measurement of the dynamic impact force of the gas jet an annular quartz force sensor was installed on a test bench. Each three simultaneous measurements of the cartridges’ firing pressure and the dynamic force of the blast wave were taken at various distances between muzzle and load washer.ResultsThe maximum gas pressure in the explosion chamber was up to 1100 bar. The shot development over time showed a typical gas pressure curve. Flow velocity of the gas jet was up to 2000 m/s. The maximum impact force of the gas jet at the target showed a strong inverse ratio to the muzzle's distance and was up to 11,500 N for the contact shot distance. Energy density of the gas jet for the close contact shot was far beyond the energy density required for skin penetration.ConclusionThe unique design features (short tube between cartridge mouth and muzzle and narrow diameter of the muzzle) of these gadgets are responsible for the high firing pressure, velocity and force of the gas jet. These findings explain the trauma mechanics of the extensive tissue damage observed in accidental shots of these devices.     

Fatal neck injuries caused by blank cartridges.

We report three cases where fatal neck injuries were caused by blanks from starting pistols. The weapons were loaded with blank cartridges or tear gas cartridges. Neither live ammunition nor any form of projectile was used. All three cases involved a contact discharge. The gas pressure caused by firing the weapons created extensive wound cavities in all three cases. Each victim died from blood loss as a result of ruptured cervical vessels; there were no air embolisms. In one case, a man shot himself eight times with two different starting pistols, and the wounds could be matched to each gun by the muzzle imprint marks on the neck.     

The specificity of gunshot wounds caused by rubber buck shot

Described in the paper are forensic-medical cases related with examinations of wounds inflicted by rubber case-shot--a relatively rare ammunition. The morphology of the above wounds and specific features of deposition of "shot metals" in the damaged region were studied. The possibilities of fixing a shot distance and ammunition type were defined.     

Frequency of blood spatters on the shooting hand and of conjunctival petechiae following suicidal gunshots wounds to the head

A total of 103 suicidal and 29 homicidal gunshot fatalities were evaluated. In 42% of the suicides, characteristic findings like blood spatters and/or powder soilings, could be found on the shooting hand by naked-eye inspection indicating the importance of an accurate examination of the deceased's hands at autopsy for a preliminary diagnosis. Petechial hemorrhages of the conjunctivae due to the gas pressure after discharge of the weapon were observed in 22% of those cases with contact shot wounds to the head/neck, but not in cases of distant shot injuries following the use of non-high velocity ammunition. Therefore, conjunctival petechiae can be regarded as an additional but optional sign of contact head shots in cases without alterations possibly influencing the development of conjunctival pin-point bleedings. The evidence of such findings can be of practical importance if the entrance shot wound cannot be examined for whatever reason.     

Gunshot injury caused by a training bullet]

In the course of a scuffle a 50-year old man has been shot by a revolver. The culprit and witnesses state, there has been only one shot, whereas the victim declared having been shot twice. The medico-legal investigation revealed a gunshot wound that passed through the left thigh, a grazing shot of the right hand and a superficial lesion of the skin at the forehead with sprinkled gunshot residue in the epidermis. The investigation confirmed the statement of the victim: the first shot to the forehead was caused by a plastic training cartridge, the second to the right hand and thigh by a cartridge loaded with an ordinary bullet.     

The Physical Effects of Contact and Close‐Distance Gunfire on Sweatshirt Fleece

Powder stippling caused by the impact of propellant particles during close‐distance gunfire has been previously described on skin and solid objects only. Additionally, radial tearing has been described as clear evidence of a contact‐distance shot, requiring no further testing. Patterns of discrete perforating holes (referred to here as “stippling perforations”) and other physical damage on sweatshirt fleece fabrics were prepared. Using the firearm and ammunition in this study, stippling perforations were observed to a maximum muzzle‐to‐target distance of 35 cm (10 inches). In addition, radial tearing and disintegration were present (and often more extensive) at greater than contact distance. The presence of stippling perforations could augment muzzle‐to‐target distance estimates generated using the Griess test, or allow distance estimates when the Griess test is not feasible. Unlike what has been previously reported, testing on the original evidence (or similar substitute) is warranted when physical damage is used to estimate shooting distance.     

Wounding characteristics of glaser safety ammunition: a report of three cases

Handgun ammunition that contains multiple pellets (birdshot) comes in two forms. We describe here the autopsy and radiographic findings in three individuals who were fatally wounded with Glaser safety ammunition and contrast the findings to those reported in shot shell injuries.     

Entrance, exit, and reentrance of one shot with a shotgun

The case being reported is one of a homicidal shotgun fatality with an unusual wound pattern. A 34-year-old man was shot at close range with a 12-gauge shotgun armed with No. 5 birdshot ammunition. The shot entered the left axillary region, exited through the left infraclavicular region, and thereafter penetrated the left side of the neck, causing tearing of the left common carotid artery and the right internal carotid artery. The entrance wound in the axilla was larger than the other wounds, and before autopsy it was believed that the shotgun had been fired twice, causing one wound in the neck and one wound perforating the infraclavicular region and exiting through the left axillary region. Thus, this case shows that unusual wound patterns in shotgun fatalities can easily lead to incorrect assumptions with regard to number and direction of shots fired unless thorough investigation is carried out postmortem.     

Time periods of GSR particles deposition after discharge-final results

The elemental objects of the research study are: determination of time periods corresponding to gunshot residue particles (GSR) deposition after the shot from selected pistols and a revolver, and evaluation of the deposited particles number. For several shooting experiments were used a pistol CZ model 85, caliber 9 mm Luger with common ammunition 9 mm Luger FMJ Sellier & Bellot, a pistol CZ model 70, caliber 7.65 mm Browning (32 ACP) with common 7.65 mm Browning FMJ Sellier & Bellot ammunition and a revolver S&W Modell 60, barell length 2-1/8', cal. .38 Special with common Sellier&Bellot (FMJ) ammunition. The results of the study have indicated the behavior of GSR particles deposited after a single discharge. The overall time interval of GSR particles deposition and the number of deposited particles with the above mentioned arms and ammunition were established. The results can potentially be used for clarifying the situation at crime scenes and for subsequent interpretation of GSR evidential value in caseworks.     

A case study of the suicide of Luis Mendès France, in Bordeaux, in 1695

After being condemned and imprisoned in Lisbon by the Portuguese Inquisition, Luis Mendes de Franca exiled himself in late 1683 to France, where his descendants adopted the family name Mendes France. In 1695, at the age of 55 years, Luis Mendes committed suicide in Bordeaux by a pistol shot that decapitated him. The inquest conducted at that time concluded that Luis Mendes was insane and thus not guilty of the crime of suicide. We hypothesize that he used a flint stone-type pistol loaded with an extraordinarily large quantity of black gunpowder. Using available information on historic firearms, ammunition, and powder, coupled with the preserved testimony of historic figures, we propose a reconstruction of this drama and a diagnostic approach to the psychiatric aspects of the suicide.     

Suicidal shot in the mouth with a rubber shot shell

The purpose of weapons designed for self-defence and their ammunition is to allow effective defence without causing serious injury provided that the recommended minimum firing distance is observed. However, close-range and contact shots to vulnerable body regions may cause severe or even fatal injuries. The authors report on a suicide who fired a fatal shot in his mouth with a weapon for self-defence. The weapon used was a double-barrelled SAPL break-action gun, mod. GC 54, from which a Mini Gomm-Cogne, cal. 12/50 rubber shot shell was fired. The wound findings and ballistic characteristics of the weapon are presented and discussed.     

Suicidal contact gunshot wounds to the head with .38 Special Glaser Safety Slug ammunition

Glaser Safety Slug TM ammunition is a uniquely designed, essentially prefragmented ammunition. Tests performed by the U.S. Justice Department demonstrated that the ammunition possesses high kinetic energy, high relative incapacitation index (RII) and poses a very low risk to bystanders because of its total loss of kinetic energy in the target. Despite having been manufactured since 1974, no deaths from this ammunition have been previously reported. The authors herein describe the first three reported human deaths.     

Short-stop ammunition

Now and again ammunition is offered emphasizing its "less deadly" or "not at all deadly" effects. On application, however, these types of ammunition contrary to the manufacturer's allegations turn out to be a real threat. On the one hand results can be rather harmful while on the other side at court a remonstration on the grounds of not knowing such outcome beforehand may be successful. Under these aspects construction and effects of a special small shot ammunition for revolvers (Speer 38/357 Shot Shells, manufactured by CCI), of the cartridge "Short-Stop", manufactured by MB Associates in San Ramon (California) and, in connexion with own casework, a "shock-defense" sort of ammunition, manufactured by Rauchalles (Offenburg, West Germany) are compared and discussed with respect to their construction and effects.     

Macroscopic observation of the morphological characteristics of the ammunition gunpowder

At the present time, optical examinations are not used in routine to analyze the gunshot residues, except for the counting and the localization of particles. Indeed, the sequence of examinations often starts immediately with destructive techniques, contrary to the widely accepted law saying that we should progress from general to particular and from non-destructive to destructive and which is recommended for all the fields of forensic sciences. When a cartridge is shot, and before the projectile leaves the gun, all the powder grains should must be completely burnt; however, if this ideal case does not happen, it is possible to find unburnt and/or partially burnt gunpowder particles [H.H. Meng, R. Caddy, Gunshot residue analysis-a review, J. Forensic Sci. 42 (1997) 553-570]. The goal of this paper is to study the morphological characteristics of the powder before and after the shot, to establish if it is possible to determine which type of ammunition has been used on the basis of these characteristics. A set of 181 cartridges of different calibers was considered and various tests carried out to evaluate the technique. On the basis of the observation of the gunpowder particles found on the target, a list of potential cartridges can be established with the actually shot cartridge always found among them. It is important to underline that a maximum of eight cartridges were proposed for each experiment. Consequently, the method can be judged very discriminating. A database was then created, including information related to the morphological characteristics of the gunpowder before and after the shot as well as to the class characteristics of the analysed cartridges.