Journal Published Online: 01 April 1984
Volume 29, Issue 2

Atypical Gunshot Wounds of Entrance: An Empirical Study

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Atypical gunshot wounds of entrance occur when bullets deviate from their stable nose-on trajectory before entering the body. When this occurs, the resulting wound may have an atypical D-shaped appearance. Ray-like abrasions or bruises may radiate from the corners of the wound. Unstable nonaxial flight may be caused by intermediate targets, ricochets, inappropriate weapon/ammunition combinations, poor weapon construction, or use of misaligned silencers. If a bullet is deformed before entrance the configuration of the resulting wound may be bizarre, and the wound configuration may closely resemble the configuration of the striking bullet. Nine cases are presented showing the effects of various intermediate targets. A number of methods for the investigation of atypical wounds are discussed.

Author Information

Donoghue, ER
Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
Kalelkar, MB
Office of the Medical Examiner of Cook County, Chicago, IL
Richmond, JM
Office of the Medical Examiner of Cook County, Chicago, IL
Teas, SS
Office of the Medical Examiner of Cook County, Chicago, IL
Pages: 10
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JFS11683J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11683J