Journal Published Online: 01 October 1974
Volume 19, Issue 4

Deaths Due to Accidental Discharge of a Dropped Handgun

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Accidental deaths due to firearms are relatively uncommon. Only 2400 were recorded in the United States in 1972 [1]. Most of these deaths were due to carelessness or misuse of firearms. A very small number were due to dropping a weapon with resultant discharge. This paper will present twelve cases of this latter type of accident that occurred in Dallas from 1969 to 1973, as well as a discussion of the type of weapon in which such an accident is possible. Seven of the twelve cases will be described in detail since each involves a different type of weapon. As the weapons involved in all twelve cases were handguns, the discussion will be limited to this class of weapon.

Author Information

DiMaio, VJM
Dallas County, Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, Dallas, Texas
Jones, JA
Dallas County Crime Laboratory, Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, Dallas, Texas
Pages: 9
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS10466J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10466J