Handling and Interpretation of Crossbow Injuries
Downs, JCU
Deputy Medical Examiner, Charleston County Medical Examiners' Office/Resident in Pathologyand Laboratory Medicine, MUSC, Charleston, S.C.

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

Scala-Barnett, D
Deputy Coroner/Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Pathology, Medical College ofOhio, Toledo, OH.

Lifschultz, BD
Deputy Medical Examiner, Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, Chicago, Illinois/ClinicalAssistant Professor of Forensic Pathology, University of Illinois Medical School, Chicago, IL.


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:
archery, bow and arrow, crossbow, forensic science, homicide, pathology and biology, suicide

Paper ID: JFS392940428

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Author Downs JCU, Nichols CA, Scala-Barnett D, Lifschultz BD Title Handling and Interpretation of Crossbow Injuries Symposium , Committee on