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Gunshot residues found at the exit wound: a case report.

Authors :
Weber A
Kneubuehl BP
Rabl W
Source :
International journal of legal medicine [Int J Legal Med] 2023 Mar; Vol. 137 (2), pp. 587-593. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Jun 03.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Gunshot residues (GSRs) play an important role in forensic investigations of gun-related violence. The presence of GSRs has been described to help to identify the bullet entry area, as it was supposed not to be found at exit wounds. This report details the suicidal headshot of an 84-year-old male where unburned tube-like, cuboid and flake-formed powder particles have been found not only at the inside of the muzzle but also circular around the exit wound. With very short-barrelled weapons, it must be expected that part of the propellant charge leaves the barrel unburned behind the bullet. In contrast to that, the barrel length of the used weapon should lead to a complete burn-up of powder particles. The surprisingly large number of unburned powder particles present at the exit wound of the injury gave reason for further investigation to understand the underlying ballistic aspects and outlines the importance of having a close look at incidence scene photos during an investigation.<br /> (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1437-1596
Volume :
137
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
International journal of legal medicine
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
35657432
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-022-02842-w