title: Suicide using a compound bow and arrow.
abstract: Accidental, suicidal, and homicidal injuries have been caused by arrows fired from crossbows. To our knowledge, a case of suicide using a full-size compound bow to fire a projectile has not been reported in the English literature. Described is a case of a 17-year-old man who shot himself in the chest with a broadhead hunting arrow fired from a compound bow. Examination of the footwear suggests that the decedent drew the bowstring with his left foot while holding the bow in his hands. The mechanism of injury is discussed. When dealing with a longbow-related fatality, examination of the weaponry used and reenactment of the fatal methodology are critical in determining whether self-inflicted injury is a probability.
authors.affiliation: Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Maryland, Baltimore 21201, USA.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Cina
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Radentz
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Smialek
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019876:Sports Equipment; D013405:Suicide; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology