ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 18

Handling and Interpretation of Crossbow Injuries
Lifschultz, BD
Deputy Medical Examiner, Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, IL

Nichols, CA
Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, Charleston County Medical Examiners' Office/Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, MUSC, S.C.

Scala-Barnett, D
Deputy Coroner/Assistant Clinical Professor, Medical College of Ohio, OH

Downs, JCU
Deputy Medical Examiner, Charleston County Medical Examiners' Office/Resident in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, MUSC, SZ

(Received 6 July 1993; accepted 10 August 1993)

Abstract

The longbow and crossbow are infrequently encountered by the forensic pathologist. As these weapons become more popular for sport and hunting, more fatalities may be anticipated. Three crossbow deaths (two homicides and one suicide) are presented. Included is the first report of a multiple shot death. The design and physics of the crossbow are described. The proper preservation of evidence, as well as wound analysis and interpretation, in such deaths are detailed.

Keywords:
pathology and biology, crossbow, bow and arrow, homicide, suicide, archery

Paper ID: JFS13614J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13614J
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