A fatal shot with a signal flare--a crime reconstruction.
A reconstruction of an incident of a fatal wounding of a football fan with a parachute flare was performed. Physical and chemical examinations of the victim's trousers and parts of a flare removed from the wound in his leg were performed by means of an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Signs of burning were seen on the front upper part of the trousers, including a 35-40 mm circular hole with melted and charred edges. Postblast residue present on the surface of the trousers contained strontium, magnesium, potassium, and chlorine. Also the case files--the medical reports and the witnesses' testimonies--were thoroughly studied. It has been found that the evidence collected in the case supported the version of the victim being shot by another person from a distance.
Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, 31-033 Krakow, Poland. zbrozek@ies.krakow.pl
Zuzanna
Z
Brozek-Mucha
D000293:Adolescent; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D001753:Blast Injuries / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003020:Clothing; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D005268:Femoral Vein / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D005538:Football; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008853:Microscopy; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D013052:Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; D014754:Violence