The weapon at the scene of a suicide provides a resource in addressing such questions as frequency of blood in or on the weapon, location of the weapon with respect to the body, and evidence of firearm discharge residues on the hand. The first 195 weapons were tested for blood by a technique different from the following 202 weapons. Results were obtained which caused procedural changes in blood detection. Data are presented for frequency of blood in and on the muzzle of weapons, relative frequency of location of suicidal gunshot wound, and percent “positive” findings of gunshot residue metals on the hands. It was found that suicidal gunshot wounds were 3 times more frequent to the head than the chest, and that no significant difference was noted between males and females in this study. Scene photographs reveal that the suicide weapon is in or resting on the hand of the decedent 20% of the time with handguns and 11% of the time with long guns.
Determination of the distance from muzzle to victim from the appearance of a gunshot wound in the skin is often of great importance. Such information may be necessary to confirm or disprove an account of the circumstances surrounding a death due to firearms. Contact wounds generally can be recognized by the presence of soot and powder in and around the wound as well as searing of the skin from the flame. When the contact wound overlays bone, tearing of the skin or muzzle imprints may be present. Intermediate range gunshot wounds are characterized by powder tattooing (stippling) of the skin around the wound of entrance. Soot may or may not be present. While soot can usually be wiped away, powder tattooing cannot. When the muzzle-to-target distance increases so that powder tattooing no longer occurs, the gunshot wound is called a distant wound and range determinations can no longer be made.
The interpretation of the range of fire of gunshot wounds requires coordination of information and observations from the autopsy surgeon, scene investigator, and laboratory analyst. Opinions based on incomplete information often lead to misinterpretation of the wound. The effects of interposed targets such as clothing, windows, and body parts are discussed. Case examples are given for interposed targets that cause confusing patterns and even lead to misidentification of the points of entrance and exit of the projectile in the body. The splitting of tissue in areas of bony prominence can be mistaken for evidence of discharge of a firearm at close range.
The examination of gunshot residues in a forensic science laboratory should be a series of integrated procedures. The Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences includes both the Office of the Medical Examiner and the Criminal Investigation Laboratory. Accordingly, a unique opportunity for comprehensive and coordinated examination of gunshot residues presents itself. This paper deals with those aspects involving items of clothing and deposits which may be present on the hand; the pathological evidence is not covered.
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