An unusual exit wound as a result of a shotgun suicide to the head

The assessment of fatal gunshot wounds to the head is a common task for the forensic pathologist. The identification and interpretation of typical and sometimes unusual pathomorphological findings at the entrance and exit wound as well the wound path trajectory play an important part in reconstructing the position of the shooting hand and the firearm [1]. In most cases characteristic autopsy features reveal typical skin lacerations that can be defined as a gunshot entrance or exit wound [2]. Due to the high velocity of the projectile, its rotational spin and thus its interaction with the highly elastic skin, the entrance wound has a centered substance defect with a diameter approximately matching the penetrating projectile.

Source: Forensic Science International - March 29, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: S.N. Kunz Tags: Case Report Source Type: research