This individual has a gunshot in the mouth from a point blank range. Radial ruptures of the wound edges. There are no additional shooting factors around the wound. A gunshot to the mouth at point-blank range produces extensive internal and external trauma. The muzzle blast introduces hot gases and soot deep into tissues, often causing stellate or irregular radial tears radiating from the entry wound due to gas expansion in confined spaces. Bone fragmentation is severe, especially in the maxilla and mandible. The tongue, palate, and brainstem may be disrupted, depending on bullet trajectory. Soot, searing, and tattooing confirm contact or near-contact range. The radial ruptures are not from bullet yaw but from explosive pressure tearing soft tissue outward, especially when the mouth is closed at discharge.
Fig.1 Gunshot in the mouth at point blank range.
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