Suicide by Close‐Range Gunshot Wound to the Bridge of the Nose

Abstract

Suicidal gunshot wounds to the nasal bridge are rare, particularly at close range (defined as muzzle of the weapon not touching the skin surface, but near enough to deposit soot and stippling). Previously reported suicidal gunshot wounds to the nose have been through the left nostril (Forensic Sci Int 1995;71(1):25-31; J Forensic Radiol Imag 2013;1(2):63-7). The death of a 26-year-old man with a close-range gunshot wound to the bridge of the nose was deemed suicide due to history, scene, and autopsy findings. These findings included previous suicidal ideation, texted and written notes, the decedent's cross-legged position seated on the floor, the trajectory of the bullet through his head and into the ceiling fan and roof above him, and acute alcohol intoxication. This decedent may have been intending a hard contact forehead location but inadvertently fired the gun into the bridge of his nose while bending forward, prior to contact.

Interpol review of forensic firearm examination 2019–2022

“…A suicide with a semi-automatic pistol, with an atypical entrance location and shooting distance was reported [ 173 ]. A man shot himself to death through the bridge of his nose.…”