Massive head trauma from self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head

Wausau, Wisconsin, USA. This individual shot himself in the head with an upward trajectory. The man was determined to shoot himself in the head with a rifle after an argument with his girlfriend, who was at the scene when the shooting occurred. Gunshot injuries of the head may produce significant impact spatter.

Fig.1 View of victim in his bedroom with massive head trauma from self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

The study of its location and distribution in conjunction with wound characteristics and path of the projectile(s) can assist with the distribution of this blood spatter, with the reconstruction of the shooting, and with the distinction between homicide, suicide, or accident. The quantity and distribution of blood spatter, skull fragments, and brain tissue are typical of this type of massive head trauma that essentially evacuates the contents of the skull. The wide distribution of impact spatter and projectile penetration on the ceiling assists with the orientation of the weapon and position of the victim at the time the weapon was discharged.

Fig.2 View of wall of bedroom behind and above victim showing impact spatter and projected bloodstains.

Fig.3 Distribution of impact spatter on ceiling above victim in bedroom. Closer view of impact spatter with projectile and tissue (bone) penetration on ceiling.