The influence of a shot distance on a profile of a wound canal in flat bones

Experimental shots were made from rifled weapons, from different distances, at isolated flat bones. There was established a significantly increased angle of the axial section of the cone-shaped defect due to the expanding sizes of the exit part of the wound canal (WC) and of the outlet opening as the shot distances increased. An expert's evaluation is offered to assess a shot distance involving the WC profile and by calculating an angle of the axial section of the cone-shaped defect on the basis of the inlet and outlet sizes and of the flat-bone thickness.     

Morphological characteristics of gunshot wounds of liver and spleen

Stellate wounds are to be expected in gunshot injuries to the liver and spleen. As to their configuration, they resemble the skin breaks in an absolute close-range shot. The exit wound is larger than the entry wound. The genesis and utility of such injuries for reconstruction of the shot direction are discussed with reference to seven gunshot mortalities. Stellate wounds could also be achieved by shooting at isolated cadaver organs. The experimentally produced gunshot wounds differed from those produced in vivo in that the entry and exit wounds were equally large.     

利用颅骨枪弹创骨折类型推断射击方向和顺序的实验

建立利用颅骨枪弹创骨折类型推断射击方向和顺序的方法。使用国产五四式7．62mm口径手枪及五六式7．62mm口径半自动步枪,以3m的距离2次射击16具尸体的头颞部及枕部,造成颅脑贯通创,制成颅骨枪弹射入、出口各32例,并根据定位标记进行观察。结果显示：颅骨枪弹创骨折形态可分为带有斜面的孔状骨折,锁孔状骨折,放射状骨折和环状隆起骨折4种类型,其出现多见于低速枪射击,并与射击方向和顺序有直接关系。根据颅骨枪弹创骨折类型可推断射击方向和顺序。     

Characteristics of gunshot wounds in the skull.

The analysis of trauma to the skeleton is an important aspect of forensic case work, but most pathology references devote limited attention to this topic. This paper describes various aspects of gunshot wounds, including entrance and exit patterns, angle and path, range of fire and velocity, and caliber of the bullet, based on observations of a series of known cases. Skeletal remains of 21 victims of gunshot wounds were studied. In most cases, there was documentation of the investigation, autopsy, and victim's identity. Each case was analyzed in terms of wound location, shape, size and exit/entry surface area ratio, beveling, and direction of shooting Skull entry wounds were most often round or oval. Unusual shapes were observed in bones like the mandible and mastoid process, but were also found to be triangular, nearly rectangular or irregular. Tunneling was observed in the mastoid process. The expected internal beveling was obvious in all but one skull. External beveling of an entry wound was only observed in one case (parietal bone). Exit wounds were roughly round, oval, square, and rectangular and were always more irregular than entry wounds. External beveling of exit wounds was observed in most vault bones, but there was none in the orbit, maxilla, greater wing of the sphenoid, temporal, or left occipital bone. Tangential gunshot wounds were seen in a mastoid process, zygomatic process, mandibular ramus and condyle, and occipital condyle. Most of the exit to entry surface area ratios (cm2) varied from 1.4 to 2.0. In four cases the ratio indicated that entrances were larger than exists. In conclusion, understanding of gunshot wound characteristics is an important matter to interpret distance, velocity, direction and sometimes caliber size. Assessment of this nature of gunshot wounds helps reconstruct events surrounding the death.     

Detection of antimony topography using diffuse-contact method on the skin targets of bio-manikins after shooting with Makarov gun from short distance

The authors examined sedimentation of stibium in the area of experimental skin entry holes generated by Makarov gun shots from different distances. Regularities of allocation of stibium subject to the distance of the shot were determined. Practical recommendations for expert conclusion about the distance of the shot were given on the grounds of the results of the study.     

Mechano- and morphogenesis of gunshot fractures in the flat bones

Gunshot fractures in flat bones, bullet defects in the continuum were studied in experiment. The laws of gunshot fracture formation were formulated. In far distance, bullet has a direct and radial blow action. The direct blow induces comminution and disintegration of the bone tissue with dislocation of bone fragments; radial blow potentiates bone destruction. Morphological characteristics of gunshot fractures of flat bones depend on the force of the direct and radial impact action and can be used for estimation of the far shot distance, kinetic energy and shape of the head of the shell.     

Forensic-medical significance of the characteristics of gunshot perforating fractures of the skull bones

The study was made of gunshot perforating fractures of calvarial bones in cases of lethal perforating head wounds in long distance shots from a 9-mm Makarov gun. Morphological characteristics of inlet and outlet perforating fractures and bone fragments were found to differ. Gunshot fractures in calvarial bones inflicted by bullets from a 9-mm Makarov gun were studied in experiments with different kinetic energy. In low kinetic energy, bullets make oval holes on the outer table of the skull and round holes on the inner table with radial prominences on the walls of bullet channels, large bone fragments; in moderate kinetic energy--make round holes in the outer table and oval on the inner table with skew prominences on the walls of the outlet part of the channels, large and middle-sized flat bone fragments; in high kinetic energy injuries on both tables were round, prominences were cross, bone fragments were flat, small and middle-sized.     

枪弹创前置物射入口形态学的实验研究

为建立前置物射入口与典型射入口的检验鉴别方法，使用国产54式7.62mm口径手枪及56式7．62mm口径半自动步枪，以3m的距离射击约克夏种白猪义3只，同时以各种玻璃、木板。汽车门、动物躯干等物质作为中间障碍物，制成前置物射入口36例，并与对照组6例射入口进行对比观察。结果显示，前置物射入口较典型射入口增大，撕裂，创线挫伤增宽，创周出现卫星创或假点彩，创道内异物及弹头严重变形。此检验诊断方法有助于法医在实际检验中对射击距离的判断和对现场环境的分析。     

Comparison of wound morphology following gunshots by machine guns and sub-machine guns

Automatic weapons such as machine guns and submachine guns are found in the German-speaking region only in special army and police units and appear accordingly rarely in homicides, suicides and accidents. In the following, the findings in two cases of death with the use of machine and submachine guns are presented. The first case was a fatal accident during shooting on a training area (current machine gun of the German army, calibre 7.62 x 51 mm), the second case was a killing during a physical conflict (submachine gun MP 40 from World War II, calibre 9 x 19 mm). In the case with the machine gun autopsy disclosed typical entry holes corresponding to the calibre, but unusually large exit wounds with tissue bridges in the wound ground, measuring 4 x 2.5 cm in diameter. By contrast, the second case (submachine gun) showed "normal" entry and exit wounds. The differences are mainly caused by deviating ballistic data of the ammunition used. They are discussed against the background of literature on wound ballistics.     

Early post-mortem animal bites after suicidal gunshot wound to the head of a police dog handler]

A 41-year-old police officer committed suicide in his office by firing a contact shot to the left temple. When the body was found 12 hours later, the German shepherd dog the officer had been in charge of had caused considerable damage on the lower half of the face and the adjacent parts of the neck. The clothing of the suicide was undamaged. Blood traces in the shape of paws were found at the place of death. The wound margins of the postmortem animal injury were nicked and jagged by the canine teeth. The entrance and exit wounds were not affected by the soft tissue defect. The findings gathered are discussed in reference to the relevant literature.     

枪弹创后置物射出口形态学的实验研究

为建立后置物射出口与射入口的检验鉴定方法，使用国产五四式7．62mm口径手枪及五六式7．62mm口径半自动步枪，以5米的距离射击约克夏种白猪18只，同时以木板、水泥板、玻璃及衣服等作为射出口衬垫物，制成后置物射出口56例，并与对照组12例射出口进行对比观察。结果表明，射出口与后置物距离在3cm以内均可出现创缘伸展轮及皮下出血，且与后置物质地及距离成正比。根据其形态分为典型及非典型两类，并建立了此类射出口的检验方法及其与射入口鉴别的依据，有助于法医在实际检验中对射击方向的判断。     

Atypical bullet entry injuries. A case report and experimental contribution

In order to elucidate the contradictory findings in cases of suicide or homicide with firearms, firing tests were performed with various weapons shot at textile samples, block gelatine, animal and human skin, and pigs' heads. Ricochets were produced at different angles of incidence and bullets were shot through various materials introduced between the target and muzzle. The morphology and emission spectrum analyses of the entry holes were investigated, and the projectiles were collected and inspected. The morphological and chemical alterations observed at the entry holes were classified and discussed.     

Bullet Caliber and Type Categorization from Gunshot Wounds in Sus Scrofa (Linnaeus) Long Bone

Studies on ballistic trauma to the ribs and thorax, cranium, and long bones demonstrate the potential of obtaining a bullet caliber from an entrance wound. In order to validate prior research on caliber estimation in bone tissue and assess the viability of bullet type determination based on the macroscopic evidence at the entrance wound, thirty fleshed pork (Sus scrofa) shoulders (humeri) were shot with either lead or copper jacketed bullets in one of three calibers; 0.22, 9 mm, or 0.38. Overall, our findings are consistent with previous research indicating that calibers can be grouped into “small” and “large” categories. Bullet type, lead or copper jacket, can be ascertained based on cortical flaking and the analysis of materials deposited around the entry wound. The addition of this evidence holds value in cases where no firearm or ballistic evidence is recovered from a crime scene.     

The expert assessment of gunshot entry holes in the cranial vault

Expert must evaluate with great attention the calibre of a gun from which a shot was made as expert errors are not rare. Diameter of inlet wound at the skull vault bones may significantly exceed the bullet calibre. The final decision on the calibre of a gun used to produce body injuries can be made after experimental shots at biomannequin.     

Suicide,accident? The importance of the scene investigation

We present the as yet unresolved case of the death by gunshot wound of a 21-year-old student from a recent local inspection. It was reported that the daughter of the house had been shot through the window while she was washing the dishes. Slight discrepancies were noted in the statements of the family, who are very religious. The firearm, projectile and cartridge have not been found despite an intensive search. The daughter and the mother tested positive for traces of gunpowder on their hands, while in the case of the son traces were found on his hands and on his vest. That the trajectory of the projectile was from the kitchen outwards was established on the basis of a small hole in the inner pane of the kitchen window and a larger hole in the outer pane. The shot passed through the victim's cheek and the neck. The entrance wound (aditus) on the right cheek had complementary features characteristic of a gunshot from a short-barrelled firearm at relative proximity. The shot passed through the left jugular vein and the left internal carotid artery. The exit wound (exitus) was slightly larger and of irregular shape.The family chose a traditional burial. The mother and son did not present themselves for polygraph testing. A charge was filed against the mother of the deceased. Emphasis was placed on the scene investigation.A covered-up suicide? An accident (a scuffle when trying to prevent suicide)?     

Suicide with multiple graze shots

A 77-year-old man was found in his flat with a shot to the right temple. In spite of hospital treatment he died from the head injury the next day. The weapon at the scene used for committing the suicide was a pistol, make Kaba Special (calibre 6.35 mm). At autopsy, the right temporal region showed a surgically treated, originally stellate gunshot entrance wound with a powder cavity. Close to this penetrating gunshot wound there were 3 parallel graze shot injuries of the scalp. The autopsy findings were consistent with the assumption that all the shots had been fired by the victim himself with suicidal intent. The injury pattern is presented and discussed in relation to the results of the technical investigation of the weapon and the findings at the scene.     

The "inner gunshot residue"--a gunshot entry marker in gunshot of ridged skin]

Gunshot residue below the surface of the skin is typical of a contact gunshot wound. However, in a case of our own, when a taxi-robber was shot by the cab driver through his right hand at a distance of several yards, this finding provoked quite a confusion. Only when experimental shots at thick glabrous skin were performed, it could be established that long range shots led to intraepidermal gunshot deposit too. The explanation of this phenomenon lies in the tenacity of thick skin. Unlike the thin hairy skin, which is punched out by the penetrating projectile, the thicker and more tenacious plantar/palmar epidermis gets displaced radially, the stratum germinativum tears and the projectile casts its gunshot residue in the pouch formed in such a manner. Therefore, intraepidermal gunshot residue is proof of an entrance gunshot wound but not always a sign of contact shot if the wound is located in the palmar or plantar region. It is typically produced by shots at thick skin.     

Penetration Depth of Projectiles Fired from a Replica of Colt Navy of 1851 in 20% Gelatin Blocks Correlated with Fatal Injuries Assessed in an Autopsy of a 78‐Year‐Old Man

Pursuant to the Polish Weapons and Ammunitions Law, muzzle‐loading black powder weapons, manufactured before 1885, or their replicas, as well as suitable projectiles, can be possessed legally without registration and special licenses. The aim of the study was to assess the penetration depth of projectiles fired from a black powder weapon, replica of Colt Navy of 1851, in 20% gelatin blocks and to compare the obtained results with the actual injuries found on autopsy of a 78‐year‐old man who had committed suicide. In the experiments, we used the black powder weapon and ammunitions, as well as gelatin blocks serving as a soft tissue model. We ascertained that solid spherical projectiles fired from black powder weapons cause extensive injuries, especially in the initial segment of the wound canal. Additionally, based on the presence and location of the wad in the wound canal, the distance from which the shot was fired can be determined.     

毛发枪弹损伤的环境扫描电镜研究

目的探讨毛发枪弹损伤微观形态与射击距离之间的关系。方法应用环境扫描电镜/能谱仪对64式手枪在0~200cm范围内射击造成的毛发损伤及附着物进行形态和成分分析。结果0~30cm射击,毛发表面粘附有大量密集分布的球形射击残留物颗粒,鳞片有严重斑纹状损伤和崩裂缺损;30~60cm射击,毛发表面粘附有较多散在分布的球形射击残留物颗粒,鳞片有轻微斑纹状损伤和崩裂缺损;100cm距离射击,毛发表面粘附有少数个别射击残留物颗粒,鳞片无斑纹状损伤;200cm距离射击,毛发表面无射击残留物。毛发枪弹射击断裂形态差异较大,大体分为剪切断裂和牵拉断裂两种类型,与射击距离无明显相关性。结论毛发表面粘附的大量球形射击残留物颗粒及其造成的鳞片斑纹状损伤对于法医学鉴定贴近距离射击((30cm)具有重要的实用价值。     

跳弹创形态学的实验研究

目的 探讨跳弹创形成的条件,研究跳弹在体内弹道学特点及致伤能力,建立跳弹创的诊断依据。方法选用国产54式手枪及56式半自动步枪,配用51式手枪弹及56式步枪弹以水磨石板为反跳靶体,射击约克夏种猪4头,复制出跳弹创模型12例。观察射入口、创道及着弹点特征。结果 跳弹的形成受靶体性状、弹头形态和速度、入射角与反跳角等条件因素的影响;在相同条件下高初速尖型弹头的反跳角<低初速圆型弹头;创道无明显瞬时空腔效应;根据实验结果建立了6项诊断依据。结论 正确诊断跳弹创对射击方向和距离、重建弹道、分析枪击目的、评估损伤程度有实用价值。