Dr Andrew provides answers to gunshot mysteries using the Forensic Consultant’s expertise.
As a forensic consultant Dr Andrew relies on decades of experience and thousands of post-mortem examinations to provide a medical opinion regarding the manner and cause of death and injury.
In this article we offer a few examples of how an apparent mystery can be resolved and an expert opinion offered with the use of a properly performed autopsy.
1) How many shots were fired?
A 29-year-old male was shot by store owner during attempted robbery. Five bullet wounds were noted on the body but only one bullet recovered from the body. Store owner claimed that the robber was only shot once.
Autopsy reveals decedent was actually shot only once:
- Entrance left hand, exit left wrist
- Re-entrance top of chin, exit beneath chin
- Graze wound of neck
- Second re-entrance above left collar bone with perforation of left carotid trunk and left lung
- Bullet was recovered from chest
2) Was it a suicide or a homicide?
49-year-old female found in bed in home of a male acquaintance with two closely spaced gunshot wounds of the left side of the chest. Weapon is on the bed, partially under decedent.
Autopsy shows one wound is non-lethal, gunshot residue on right hand of decedent. Decedent fired the first, non-lethal shot then moved the weapon approximately 1½ inches toward her midline and fired again, consistent with suicide.
3) “He shot himself.”
16-year-old male reported to have “shot himself” at a party.
Autopsy reveals GSW of the left side of the nose with no evidence of contact or close range of fire, which would be expected in the case of a suicide.
After being confronted with this information youths admit to playing with loaded gun when it accidentally discharged.
Dr. Andrew is board forensic pathology and has performed over 5,800 autopsies for purposes of investigating sudden, unexpected or violent death. Please contact him for more assistance.
