Discordance of Gross and Histologic Findings in Estimating the Range of Fire of Gunshot Wounds

Hlavaty, Leigh; Roquero, Leonardo; Amley, Jeffery; Root, Kelly; Ishikawa, Martin; Koopmeiners, Andrew S.; Zhao, Lili; Sung, LokMan

doi:10.1111/1556-4029.14055

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Particularly, the detection, quantification, and correlation of GSR with the shooting distance has been (with a focus on staining, e.g., [27]) and still is a promising field of research, including GSR detection via micro-CT [28] and the analysis of inorganic GSR [29] by emission spectrometry and mass spectroscopy, which, however, require advanced lab equipment. Hlavaty et al performed a microscopic, histological analysis of the tissue surrounding the bullet entry site to estimate the shooting distance but also concluded that this approach is not suitable for forensic routine analysis [30].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A distant relationship?—investigation of correlations between DNA isolated from backspatter traces recovered from firearms, wound profile characteristics, and shooting distance

Euteneuer

Gosch

Cachée³

et al. 2020

Int J Legal Med

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In molecular ballistics, where traces originating from the use of firearms against biological targets are investigated, “backspatter” traces are of particular importance. This biological material comprising blood and tissue from the victim is propelled back from the bullet entry site towards the direction of the shooter and can consolidate and persist on the inner and outer surfaces of the firearm, from where it can be collected and analyzed. Thus, a connection between the weapon and the victim can be established solely by molecular biological trace analysis. For the criminalistic investigation of gun-related crimes, the determination of the distance between the weapon and the victim can be of critical importance in reconstructing the circumstances of a crime. In this study, we investigated possible correlations between the shooting distance and the amount of backspatter in/on the used firearm. To this purpose, we employed a previously established skull model and performed shootings in triplicates from various distances up to 50 cm with two types of handguns (pistol and revolver). Backspatter was collected from various sampling locations, and DNA contents were quantified. A post-shooting wound channel evaluation was conducted by optical and radiological evaluation. The obtained DNA yields varied considerably between replicates from the same and from different distances. In contrast, apart from contact shots, no meaningful differences were observable in wound channel evaluations. In summary, no meaningful correlation between backspatter distribution and DNA yields, the shooting distance and the condition of the wound channel could be established.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A distant relationship?—investigation of correlations between DNA isolated from backspatter traces recovered from firearms, wound profile characteristics, and shooting distance

Euteneuer

Gosch

Cachée³

et al. 2020

Int J Legal Med

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show abstract

“…5,14,15 Indeed, the distance traveled by the bullet between firearm and victim inversely correlated with the size of the entry wound and the amount of tissue destruction in histologic and radiographic analyses. 16,17 The close range of self-inflicted GSWs also allows for more precise aiming of the firearm muzzle directly into the head’s vital structures while distant projectiles are more likely to land off target, resulting in more superficial grazing injuries.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are Facial Gunshot Wounds More Fatal When They Are Self-Inflicted or Other-Inflicted?

Lee

Chuang

2021

Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction

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Study Design: This was a retrospective cohort study of the 2014 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS). Objective: Intraoral and submental projectile entry points may be less fatal than other facial entry points due to the indirect access to the intracranial structures and the protection offered by the intervening maxillofacial complex. Because intraoral and submental trajectories are almost always present in the setting of attempted suicide, this study sought to determine if intent (self-harm versus other-harm) influenced mortality in facial gunshot wound (GSW) patients. Methods: All patients with a diagnosis of a facial fracture secondary to firearm injury were included in the study sample. The primary predictor was self-harm. Secondary predictors were derived from patient, injury, and hospitalization characteristics. The study outcome was death. Univariate time to event analyses were conducted for all study predictors. A multivariate regression model for mortality was created using all relevant predictors. Results: The final sample included 668 facial GSW injuries, of which 19.3% were attributed to self-harm. Self-inflicted GSWs were more likely to involve the mandible (58.9 vs 46.0%, P < 0.01), ZMC/maxilla (47.3 vs 32.5%, P < 0.01), and intracranial cavity (48.1 vs 22.6%, P < 0.01). The overall mortality rate was 7.3%, and the mean time to death was 2.2 days. After controlling for pertinent covariates, the risk of mortality was independently decreased with mandibular injury (HR = 0.36, P = 0.03). However, mortality was increased by self-harm intent (HR = 3.94, P < 0.01) and intracranial involvement (HR = 11.24, P < 0.01). Conclusions: Consistent with a pattern of intraoral and submental entry points, self-inflicted facial GSWs demonstrated higher rates of mandibular injury. Despite this finding, self-harm injuries still carried a higher incidence of intracranial injury and a greater independent risk of mortality. Our results refute any notion that the mechanism and trajectory of self-inflicted GSWs is less fatal.

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“…Hlavaty et al [14] have analyzed histologic findings when estimating the fire range. They have proven that although variations existed, dark material of GSR was histologically identified in many skin and soft tissue, as well as bone sections at all ranges with tested calibers.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Appearance and characteristics of the gunshot wounds caused by different fire weapons - animal model

Gradaščević¹,

Soldatović

Jogunčić

et al. 2020

Srp Arh Celok Lek

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Introduction/Objective Gunshot residue (GSR) on the skin of a victim are important evidence, with far better precision, for reconstructive questions in the forensic investigation of cases involving gunshot wounds. The aim of this experimental study was to analyze if there was any significant difference in macroscopic characteristics of wounds that were caused with different types of weapons from three different distances. Methods This study was conducted at the Department of Ballistic and Mechanoscopic Expertise, Federal Police Directorate. Experiments were done on pigskin and 55 samples were made. Shooting was conducted using a system for safe firing. Samples of the pigskin were shot by firing projectiles from four different weapons and from three different distances, (contact wound, five centimetres and 10 centimetres). Results At the contact range, wounds caused by automatic rifle had horizontal, vertical diameters larger than those made by pistols. Diameters on the wounds that were caused with different pistols, were similar. At the range of five centimetres, the narrowest part of contusion ring significantly differs even through pistol wounds. Diameters at the range of 10 centimetres are in favor of these results. Gunpowder residue scattering area was statistically different depending of type of weapon (p = 0.004). Conclusion Wound diameters and surface area are useful for differentiation between pistol and rifle caused wounds. It is unsecure method for determination of pistol caliber or fire range. GSR have much greater potential for future analyses, but even GSR cannot be used to determine pistol caliber.

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Discordance of Gross and Histologic Findings in Estimating the Range of Fire of Gunshot Wounds

Cited by 6 publications

References 8 publications

A distant relationship?—investigation of correlations between DNA isolated from backspatter traces recovered from firearms, wound profile characteristics, and shooting distance

A distant relationship?—investigation of correlations between DNA isolated from backspatter traces recovered from firearms, wound profile characteristics, and shooting distance

Are Facial Gunshot Wounds More Fatal When They Are Self-Inflicted or Other-Inflicted?

Appearance and characteristics of the gunshot wounds caused by different fire weapons - animal model

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