Suicidal shotgun wound employing a shotgun barrel, a shotgun shell, and a BB.
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.
Linert
Brian
B
Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Regnier
Janis
J
Doyle
Barrett W
BW
Prahlow
Joseph A
JA
D005389:Firearms; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013405:Suicide; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000473:pathology; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000473:pathology*