Rare case of multiple self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the chest in Poland.

Multiple gunshot suicides are relatively rare and present significant challenges for investigators and forensic pathologists. In such cases, assessing the possibility of more than one shot being fired can be crucial in distinguishing homicide from suicide. We present a rare case of multiple self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the chest with severe injury to the heart and left lung. Both the sudden, unexpected death of the man, the unknown source of the firearm, and the number and nature of the injuries sustained seemed quite unusual. The investigation revealed that the wounds were self-inflicted at close range, and the interval between successive shots (estimated by witnesses at up to 2 min) suggests that even multiple gunshot wounds perforating the heart and lungs may not necessarily cause immediate incapacitation. Forensic investigations in such cases should be multi-faceted and include full autopsy and ballistics expertise, as well as witness testimony and medical history.

Cranial trauma in handgun executions: Circumferential delamination defect and its relationship with contact/close-range shooting.

Skeletal evidence usually constitutes the only source of information to interpret lesion patterns that help to clarify the circumstances surrounding death. The examination and interpretation of bone trauma are essential to the application and utility of anthropology as a forensic science. When discussing the effect of gunshot wounds in bone, it becomes imperative to differentiate between short and long-distance injuries based on clear, distinct, and observable signs. To contribute to the debate, our focus is directed toward the external analysis of the so-called circumferential delamination defect (CDD) as an observable proxy for close-range shooting (≤30 cm) and contact gunshot wounds in the skull. In the context of known extrajudicial killings, in which the perpetrators used short 9 × 19 FMJ ammunition in a close-range shooting, instances of CDD have been documented. Empirical evidence reinforcing the causal relationship between CDD and close-range shootings is presented. Elements' characteristics of firearm residues were also found in remains buried for up to 30 years. Primarily, this work shows that the concentrations of gunshot residues (Pb, Ba, and Sb) resemble those observed in fresh corpses with the same gunshot wound (GSW). Moreover, the correlation observed between CDD and gunshot residues, where the likelihood of CDD increases the closer to the head and the more perpendicular the shot angle is, reinforces CDD as a pivotal discriminatory factor in the skeletal evidence of short-range or contact shot. This research contributes to the field of forensic anthropology by providing fundamental insights into the etiology of CDD and its practical application.

Skin simulants for wound ballistic investigation - an experimental study.

Gunshot wound analysis is an important part of medicolegal practice, in both autopsies and examinations of living persons. Well-established and studied simulants exist that exhibit both physical and biomechanical properties of soft-tissues and bones. Current research literature on ballistic wounds focuses on the biomechanical properties of skin simulants. In our extensive experimental study, we tested numerous synthetic and natural materials, regarding their macromorphological bullet impact characteristics, and compared these data with those from real bullet injuries gathered from medicolegal practice. Over thirty varieties of potential skin simulants were shot perpendicularly, and at 45°, at a distance of 10 m and 0.3 m, using full metal jacket (FMJ) projectiles (9 × 19 mm Luger). Simulants included ballistic gelatine at various concentrations, dental silicones with several degrees of hardness, alginates, latex, chamois leather, suture trainers for medical training purposes and various material compound models. In addition to complying to the general requirements for a synthetic simulant, results obtained from dental silicones shore hardness 70 (backed with 20 % by mass gelatine), were especially highly comparable to gunshot entry wounds in skin from real cases. Based on these results, particularly focusing on the macroscopically detectable criteria, we can strongly recommend dental silicone shore hardness 70 as a skin simulant for wound ballistics examinations.

New alginate-gelatine method for casting of staining inside firearm barrels.

Contact shots to the head often leave behind biological traces inside firearm barrels, a phenomenon of great forensic interest. Until now, the visualization and preservation of these traces presented a significant challenge, lacking a reliable method. This study addresses this gap by searching for a suitable method to extract the traces within a casting. Using alginate or gelatine as suitable materials, the results were hampered by serious adhesion issues and their extraction out of the firearm barrel was impeded. Finally, the combination of 11% gelatine with 1% alginate, introduced into the barrel around a 'central spine', succeeded to consistently produce replicable castings. Experimental contact shots displayed a distinct staining gradient from the muzzle to the rear of the barrel, as revealed through endoscopy and proved in the macroscopic casting. The technique proved effective for various common handgun barrels and successfully preserved blood and gunshot residue (GSR) patterns within the barrel. This method offers the dual benefits of visually mapping staining patterns and securing localized samples for targeted molecular genetic analysis in forensic investigations.

Ballistic long bone fracture pattern: an experimental study.

When dealing with badly preserved cadavers or skeletal human remains, the assessment of death circumstances remains challenging. When forensic evidence cannot be taken from the skin and soft tissue, the information may only be deduced from more resistant elements such as bone. Compared to cranial gunshot injuries, reliable data on ballistic long bone trauma remains scarce. This study aims to define ballistic fracture characteristics in human long bones. The shaft of 16 femurs and 13 humeri from body donors was perpendicularly shot with a 9-mm Luger full metal jacket bullet at an impact velocity of 360 m/s from a distance of 2 m. Some bones were embedded in Clear Ballistics Gel®, and some were shot without soft tissue simulant in order to better visualise the fracture propagation on the high-speed camera. The fractures were examined macroscopically and compared between the sample groups. We consistently found comminuted fractures with a stellate pattern. Fracture details were classified into entrance, exit and general characteristics. For some traits, we detected different occurrence values in the group comparison. The results indicate that some of the traits depend on bone properties such as shaft diameter, bone length and cortical thickness. The presence of ballistic gel also influenced some fracture traits, emphasising the relevance of soft tissue simulant in osseous gunshot experiments. This study revealed new insights in the detailed fracture pattern of human long bones. These may serve as guidelines for the identification and reconstruction of gunshot trauma in human long bones.

Forensic Analysis of the Abraham Lincoln Assassination: An On-Site Study of the Presidential Box at Ford's Theatre.

ABSTRACT: On April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated while watching a play from the Presidential Box at Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC. There is still controversy concerning the findings of Lincoln's autopsy. The physicians that attended the autopsy documented that the bullet entered the left occipital region of the brain, but opinions differ as to the path the bullet took through the brain. The official autopsy report documented that the bullet traveled through the left brain and did not cross the midline. Others who watched the autopsy claimed that the bullet entered on the left side of the president's brain, crossed the midline, and ended up just above the orbit on the right. In this manuscript, we reviewed all of the statements of the witnesses to the assassination in an effort to reconstruct the approach that John Wilkes Booth, the assassin, took through the Presidential Box as he approached the president. In addition, we conducted an on-site analysis of the shape and dimensions of the Presidential Box at Ford's Theatre to support the approach that Booth took. Based on this forensic analysis, we provide supportive evidence that the findings of the official autopsy report are accurate; that is, the bullet that entered the president's left brain stayed on the left and did not cross the midline.

Multiple nail gun injuries: suicide or homicide?

Nail gun injuries are a forensic problem; it can be difficult to distinguish self-inflicted injuries from accident and homicide instances. This kind of injuries shares some characteristics with both gunshot and puncture wounds. We describe a peculiar case of a man who committed suicide driving nails into his skull using a pneumatic nail gun. Entrance wounds were found on both temporal regions of the head. Reviewing scientific literature, this is the first case in Italy reporting the macroscopic data of bilateral head and brain nail gun injuries during an autopsy. Circumstantial elements were not sufficient to clarify if these lesions were self-inflicted, inflicted by accident, or else. Radiological examination can be helpful to show the exact location of the nails, but it has also its own limitations. We firmly believe that autopsy, especially the head section, is crucial to identify the nature and the extension of these lesions, thus giving us much more information about the mechanism of death and the circumstances in which it occurred.

X-ray analytic microscopy with CT-guided sample extraction to analyze potential projectile fragments in a dead serow.

In forensic pathology, it is important to detect and recover as evidence residual metal particles and projectiles when evaluating potential gunshot wounds. This process can be challenging when the bullets are fragmented. This report presents our experience using multiple modalities to analyze the wound of an illegally killed Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus) found in a mountainous region without its head and hind limbs. We performed postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and necropsy that showed a distant-range gunshot wound of the neck likely created by a centerfire rifle. A postmortem cut through the neck and absent head precluded a complete evaluation. To determine the composition of the metal-like fragments in the neck, sampling and metal analysis were performed in two ways. Samples extracted from the exposed wound surface without CT guidance were analyzed directly using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Samples from the bone, muscles, and cervical cord extracted under CT guidance were analyzed using x-ray analytic microscopy (XGT-9000, HORIBA, Kyoto, Japan). In wound surface samples, silicon and iron were detected as the main components on ICP-MS, suggesting that the materials were gravel. The samples taken under CT guidance and analyzed with XGT-9000 revealed that the high-density CT areas were mainly composed of lead. Combining CT-guided sample extraction and XGT-9000 can be useful for retrieving true projectile fragments and avoiding the confusion created by erroneously sampling non-projectile surface materials.

Handcrafted firearm suicide: About the unusual use of a mole gun.

The body of a man was found in a workshop at the back of his home, a metal pipe embedded in his chest. In the immediate vicinity of the body, among various tools, was a machine containing a holster hit of lead shot evoking a mole-trap-type "taupe gun" (mole gun). The findings at the scene and the presence of a metal tube, sinkers, and a flock in the chest are in favour of the use of a homemade firearm. The autopsy and CT scan revealed atypical ballistic thoracic trauma responsible for a dilaceration of both the heart and thoracic aorta that caused the death. The autopsy also found a contused wound at the back of the skull without intracranial lesion, which may be due to the fall of the victim after the thoracic trauma. There is no other traumatic lesion and in particular no lesion of seizure, constraint, or defense. Toxicological analyses revealed the presence of alcoholic impregnation at the time of death. These findings, confronted with the expertise of a balistician, made it possible to understand how the victim used a mole gun to cause these lesions. A metal tube was used as a cannon to aim more surely at the heart but also as a means of triggering the propulsion mechanism of the trap without having to stretch out the arm. The tube, thinner than the barrel, had disengaged from its tip to be embedded with the lead shot in the chest of the victim.

Death and non-lethal weapons: A case of homicide by penetrating injury without projectile.

Herein, we report the death of a man, approximately thirty years old, victim of a short-range shot to the thorax from a PIEXON JPX4, a hand weapon classed category D in France, said to be non-lethal. External examination of the lesion revealed characteristics similar to those of ballistic injuries. The autopsy found an intercostal wound that reached the pulmonary parenchyma and the pulmonary artery, with severe hemothorax. By the end of the autopsy, no projectile had been found in the body, nor any exit orifice. Death was caused by the effects of hemorrhagic shock. The PIEXON JPX4 has four cartridges, projecting a capsaicin gel that is designed to irritate the ENT area (ear nose throat) to incapacitate an assailant. The manufacturer recommends not to use it at distances of less than 1.5 m. Experimental shots were performed on gelatine blocks at point-blank range and at distances of 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100 and 150 cm to evaluate the distance necessary for the jet of gel to have a penetrating effect. Shots at 5-30 cm penetrated the structure. None of the other shots were penetrating. The autopsy and experiment data therefore show the penetrating potential of the jet of gel. Herein, we report the first death due to use of the PIEXON JPX4. From a forensic investigation viewpoint, we add a new exception to the "bullet rule". (The odd and even bullet rule states that if the number of gunshot wounds of entrance and exit found in the body is even, the presumption is that no bullet is lodged in the body. If the number of gunshot wounds of entrance and exit is odd, the presumption is that one or more bullets have been lodged in the body.).

Pellet gun trauma: An unusual and unexpected type of bone lesion.

Non-powder guns in general, and especially pellet guns are acknowledged to cause important injuries, also on bone tissue. However, pellet gun-related injuries have been poorly analyzed in forensic literature and scientists may have no idea of what signs a pellet gun can leave on bone. Moreover, since such lesions are not commonly encountered in everyday forensic practice, they could be misdiagnosed. For this reason, the present study was performed to investigate and illustrate the qualitative effects of pellet guns on human bone. An experiment was performed by shooting single pellets on four adult human feet belonging to the anatomical collection of the University of Milan and CAL (Collezione Antropologica Labanof), that is the anthropological collection of the forensic anthropology lab (Labanof). An Umarex - "Beretta type 92 S″ CO2 gun was used, loaded with pellets of 4.5 mm caliber of different designs: wadcutter, round-nosed, and sharp-pointed. The shots were fired from a constant distance of 20-30 cm and with different directions and angles. X-ray analysis was carried out and three feet were later skeletonized and observed with an episcopic microscope. Macroscopically, a high penetrative capacity of all the used pellets was observed: with the only exception of the wadcutter ones, all the other types were associated with bone lesions, such as abrasions of the cortical bone, chipping and/or fractures, which in some cases were even comminuted. Microscopically, metallic traces, bone spicules, and striae-like irregularities on the bottom of all the bone abrasions were found. Finally, we provide forensic pathologists and anthropologists with some considerations and illustrations that may help in the correct diagnosis in case of need.

Practical application of synthetic head models in real ballistic cases.

In shooting crimes, ballistics tests are often recommended in order to reproduce the wound characteristics of the involved persons. For this purpose, several "simulants" can be used. However, despite the efforts in the research of "surrogates" in the field of forensic ballistic, the development of synthetic models needs still to be improved through a validation process based on specific real caseworks. This study has been triggered by the findings observed during the autopsy performed on two victims killed in the same shooting incident, with similar wounding characteristics; namely two retained head shots with ricochet against the interior wall of the skull; both projectiles have been recovered during the autopsies after migration in the brain parenchyma. The thickness of the different tissues and structures along the bullets trajectories as well as the incident angles between the bullets paths and the skull walls have been measured and reproduced during the assemblage of the synthetic head models. Two different types of models ("open shape" and "spherical") have been assembled using leather, polyurethane and gelatine to simulate respectively skin, bone and soft tissues. Six shots have been performed in total. The results of the models have been compared to the findings of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) and the autopsy findings.Out of the six shots, two perforated the models and four were retained. When the projectile was retained, the use of both models allowed reproducing the wounds characteristics observed on both victims in terms of penetration and ricochet behaviour. However, the projectiles recovered from the models showed less deformation than the bullets collected during the autopsies. The "open shape" model allowed a better controlling on the shooting parameters than the "spherical" model. Finally, the difference in bullet deformation could be caused by the choice of the bone simulant, which might under-represent either the strength or the density of the human bone. In our opinion, it would be worth to develop a new, more representative material for ballistic which simulates the human bone.

Dangers of a single pellet.

Recent figures suggest gun violence in New Zealand is on the rise. Between 6,000 and 8,000 shotguns are imported annually. The challenge specific to managing shotgun injury is the wide field of damage caused by multiple pellets. It is easy to overlook a single pellet when assessing a patient with distracting injuries. This case highlights this lesson and the significant injury that can arise from a single pellet.

Estimation of postmortem interval in myocardial stab wounds and firearm injuries: An immunohistochemical comparative study using C5b-9 and cardiac Troponin C.

BACKGROUND: Estimation of postmortem interval (PMI) is a critical component of forensic death investigations. C5b-9 and cardiac Troponin C (cTnC) have the potential as markers for myocardial damage and can be suitable markers for determination of PMI. The aim of current study was to estimate different postmortem intervals using C5b-9 and cTnC detected by immunohistochemical technique in stab wounds and firearm injuries of the heart. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cardiac tissue samples from 70 forensic autopsy cadavers were obtained from XXXXXXX morgue, processed, for histopathological examination as well as immunohistochemical detection of C5b-9 and cTnC expression. The surface area of the positive C5b-9 and troponin C immune reactive cardiac tissue was measured morphometrically then the data were used to construct multiple regression equations for the estimation of PMI. RESULTS: Histopathological autolytic changes occurred in all groups and increased in intensity with the increase in the PMI in stab wound and firearm injury groups. These findings were supported by immunohistochemical morphometric analysis. Constructed equations to estimate PMI were highly accurate especially those combining both markers. CONCLUSION: C5b-9 and cTnC can be considered reliable indicators of myocardial damage and can be used either separately or in combination for accurate estimation of PMI.

A pen as an intermediate target becomes a secondary projectile.

Firearm projectiles striking intermediate targets have the potential to create secondary projectiles, which can produce identifiable patterns of injury. We present a case in which a father, manipulating a handgun, was demonstrating how the firing pin worked to his adolescent son. He placed a pen inside the barrel of the gun for demonstration but did not recognize that a bullet was loaded into the firing chamber. The weapon was discharged causing fatal injury to the son. The pen, as an intermediate target, created identifiable injuries on the decedent, which were consistent with typical patterns of injury seen with secondary projectiles including a discrepant number of skin defects to number of counted projectiles and pseudo-stippling. Recognition of these identifiable patterns of injury in intermediate target involved gunshot wound cases can help support other autopsy findings and scene investigation.

"Comet-tailing" associated with gunshot entrance wounds.

A "plated bullet" has a thin layer of electroplated metal covering the lead core of the projectile. In certain situations, this thin layer of electroplated metal can fracture upon discharge of the firearm. When such fracturing occurs, vaporous lead can escape through the fracture lines of the spinning projectile, resulting in a spiral-shaped deposition of dark residue surrounding a central bullet defect. The spiral-shaped pattern is referred to as "comet-tailing," or the "vortex effect." In this report, three homicide cases with associated comet-tailing are presented. Police, death investigators, and forensic pathologists should be aware of this unique finding.

Nothing but hot air?-On the molecular ballistic analysis of backspatter generated by and the hazard potential of blank guns.

Blank cartridge guns are prevalent especially in countries with laws restricting access to conventional firearms, and it is a common misconception that these weapons are harmless and only used as toys or for intimidation. However, although their harming potential is well-documented by numerous reports of accidents, suicides, and homicides, a systematic molecular biological investigation of traces generated by shots from blank cartridges at biological targets has not been done so far. Herein, we investigate the occurrence and analyzability of backspatter generated by shots of different types of blank cartridge guns firing different types of blank ammunition at ballistic gelatin model cubes doped with human blood and radiological contrast agent soaked into a spongious matrix and covered with three different variants of skin simulants. All skin simulants were penetrated, and backspatter was created in 100% of the shots in amounts sufficient for forensic short tandem repeat (STR) typing that resulted in the correct identification of the respective blood donor. Visible backspatter was documented on the muzzle and/or inside the barrel in all cases, and in 75% of cases also on the outer surfaces and on the shooter's hand(s). Wound cavities were measured and ranged between 1 and 4.5 cm in depth. Discussing our findings, we provide recommendations for finding, recovering, and analyzing trace material from blank guns, and we demonstrate the considerable hazard potential of these devices, which is further emphasized by the presentation of a comprehensive overview of the pertinent literature on injuries inflicted by blank guns.

Anatomical distribution and autopsy features of gunshot injuries to support the manner of death.

The autopsy features of gunshot wounds can be useful in understanding the manner of death. This research aims to provide concrete data to help to discriminate between homicide and suicide based on specific autopsy findings. A search of the database of the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office from August 2014 through April 2019 identified 3491 deaths due to gunshot wounds. Deaths due to complication from delayed fatal gunshot wounds, subjects who received hospital care prior to death, and decomposed bodies were identified and excluded. The following data were recorded: manner of death, demographic data, firearm and bullet type, number and location of gunshot wounds, range of fire, toxicology, and additional injuries. The study primary focused on the analysis of the bullet trajectory. A course leftward-upward-backward was the most frequent observed trajectory in suicides; a course rightward-upward-frontward was the most frequent observed trajectory in homicides. When the internal trajectory of a bullet is interpreted in the light of all available evidence it can impeach or corroborate witness statements and highlight consistencies as well inconsistencies in investigative reports and scene examinations.