Skip to main content

Contact (entrance) gunshot wounds to the head often show large stellate defects, due to the explosive blast of the gases driven under the skin, with powder/soot blackening in the base of the wound.

Contact gunshot wounds are of great significance in the forensic setting, most often implying intentional self- inflicted injury, although close physical struggle and execution-style shootings must also be considered. these wounds always require accurate description, and close attention to the size, shape and appearance of the base and periphery of the wound.

Fig.1 Stellate gunshot wound.

Fig.2 The discharge of a weapon involves the release not only of a projectile but of hot gas under high pressure as well.

Latest posts

Couple murdered in their new Santa Barbara home

| Gunshot, Homicide | No Comments
On May 2, 2009, at approximately 1:30 in the morning, attorneys Barbara Scharton and Daniel Lyons, were murdered…
Fig.1 Shotgun suicide.

Shotgun suicide

| Gunshot, Suicide | No Comments
This individual committed suicide using a shotgun, no further info. The head is the most common location for…
Fig.2 Skin slippage and expansion of the scrotum due to gas accumulation.

Scrotal enlargement from gas formation

| Decomposition | No Comments
There are five stages of decomposition, namely fresh, bloated, active decay, advanced decay, and skeletal stage. These stages…
Fig.1 Nitrous oxide death.

Nitrous oxide death

| Accident, Asphyxiation, Suicide | No Comments
Spain. There was no info if this was a suicide or an accident. Nitrous oxide is an inflammable…