This individual has a contact gunshot wound on the forehead. Note the split by tears radiating from a central region of the wound where the end of the muzzle of the gun was pressed against the skin. When a gun is fired, a cloud of hot gas is expressed from the end of the muzzle along with the projectile. In a contact gunshot wound of the head, these gases are forced between the scalp and the cranial bones and build up pressure along its path. The pressure is eventually released as the scalp tears.
Fig.1 Contact gunshot wound on the forehead.
Head injuries (the most common of which are contusions, abrasions, and lacerations) are of particular importance because they provide information about the type, location, and severity of force applied to the head. Careful examination and documentation of the presence or absence of injury is a vital component of forensic casework. Never consider photographs to be an unnecessary expense. Even when they illustrate a paucity or complete lack of findings (pertinent negative), they have the potential to make or break a case.
Fig.2 The gases are forced between the scalp and the cranial bones and build up pressure along its path.
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