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A hard contact entrance gunshot wound is present on the forehead of a young homicide victim. This type of wound occurs when the muzzle of the firearm is pressed tightly against the skin at the time of discharge. The force of the gunshot causes a characteristic laceration of the skin due to the explosive expansion of gases beneath the surface. Additionally, there is a notable deposition of soot, gunpowder particles, and other firearm residue embedded within the edges and margins of the wound. These features are consistent with close-range, execution-style shootings often seen in forensic homicide investigations.

Fig.1 A hard contact entrance gunshot wound.

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