Suicidal Shotgun Wound Employing a Shotgun Barrel,a Shotgun Shell,and a BB* |
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Authors: | Brian Linert BS MD Janis Regnier BS Barrett W Doyle Joseph A Prahlow MD |
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Institution: | 1. Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46202.;2. Present address: Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA 52242.;3. Portage Police Department, 2693 Irving Street, Portage, IN 46368.;4. Porter County Coroners Office, Valparaiso, IN.;5. Present address: 520 S. Main Street, Princeton, IN 47670.;6. South Bend Medical Foundation and Indiana University School of Medicine‐South Bend at the University of Notre Dame, 530 N. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601. |
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Abstract: | Abstract: A vast majority of firearms‐related suicides involve the conventional use of a properly functioning, intact firearm. Occasionally, forensic investigators encounter a case wherein the firearm suicide victim employs some form of unconventional use of a weapon, or utilizes an unusual weapon type. In this case report, the authors present an unusual case in which a man committed suicide by using a shotgun shell, a shotgun barrel (separate from the rest of the gun), and a BB. Some confusion as to the cause and manner of death was present during the initial scene investigation. Examination at autopsy revealed the cause of death to be a shotgun wound of the chest and prompted further scene investigation. Therefore, this case serves as another example of the importance of cooperation between scene investigators and forensic pathologists when investigating a death. A review of suicidal firearm cases using unconventional means and/or firearms is presented. |
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Keywords: | forensic science forensic pathology suicide shotgun scene investigation homemade guns zip guns |
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