Publication: Significance of Crime Scene Visit by Forensic Pathologist in Cases of Atypical Firearm Injuries
Date
2015
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Deaths due to firearms are some of the interesting and contentious cases that a
forensic pathologist/autopsy surgeon encounters in his practice. Whenever there
is ‘ambiguity’ regarding the nature or sequence of events any unnatural deaths
including those caused by firearms the practice of visiting crime scene should be
encouraged especially in a country like India where autopsy surgeons often neglect
it. Here we present a case report in which there were inconsistencies in the autopsy
findings with the alleged history. The witnesses heard about four to six gunshot
sounds, whereas only two spent cartridge cases were retrieved from the crime
scene. Authors identified the atypical nature of firearm injuries sustained by the
victims that were possible by just two bullets. Crime scene visit was undertaken
where we discovered the possibility of the echo effect behind the production of
four to six sounds. Further by using computer software program, positions of the
gunman, victims and the bullet trajectory of the two bullets was created.
KEY WORDS
Atypical firearm wounds, crime scene, echo effect, re-entry firearm wound, wound
track.
Description
Thejaswi HT, Kumar A, Krishna K
Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
All India Institute of Medical Sciences
New Delhi, India - 110029
Keywords
Atypical firearm wounds, Crime scene, Echo effect, Re-entry firearm wound, Wound track