A series of 156 consecutive deaths from stabbing were analysed for age and sex of victim, number and size of wounds, the incidence and pattern of defence wounds, the association with other injuries and the pattern of self-inflicted wounds.

One hundred and twenty eight cases of shooting fatalities were investigated during an 11-year period. Of these 57% were homicidal shootings with 34% suicidal in nature. Only two suicidal fatalities were female. Analysis of the sites of entrance wounds confirmed the 'sites of election' in suicidal shootings, whilst homicidal wounds showed a much wider distribution. Multiple entrance wounds were seen in 42% of homicidal shootings. Injuries to hands were seen in 7 homicidal fatalities.

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