Skip to main content

Close discharge of a 12-bore shotgun to the chest. There is a large hole, partly due to disruption by gas, and no evidence of pellet scatter is seen. A close-range discharge of a 12-bore shotgun to the chest is almost always fatal due to massive tissue destruction, hemorrhage, and shock. At close range, the shot leaves as a concentrated mass, causing a large, gaping wound with severe cavitation. The impact leads to extensive rib fractures, lung lacerations, and heart damage. Soot deposition, powder tattooing, and wad imprints may be present. Hydrostatic shock can cause secondary internal injuries. Death is typically rapid due to exsanguination or cardiac trauma. Forensically, pellet spread, wad entry, and tissue damage help determine range, angle, and circumstances of discharge.

Fig.1 Close discharge of a 12-bore shotgun to the chest.

Latest posts

Fig.1 Laceration of the scalp from a heavy torch.

Laceration of the scalp from a heavy torch

| Homicide | No Comments
Laceration of the scalp from a 30 cm long heavy torch (insert). The skin over the shoulders is…
Fig.2 The man had gunshot wound on his face.

Man found dead in a truck

| Gunshot, Homicide | No Comments
Russia. A man was found dead in the back of a truck. The man had gunshot wound on…
Fig.1

Suicide by cutting arms

| Suicide | No Comments
This individual committed suicide by cutting deep wounds into his arms and bled out. Self-inflicted sharp-force injuries, including…
Fig.1 Homicide with a broken bottle.

Homicide with a broken bottle

| Homicide | No Comments
Russia. This man was killed with a broken bottle and has deep cuts and lacerations on his neck.…