Citation

L. O, M. L, G. A, K. P. Arab. J. Forensic Med. Crim. Sci. 2005; 2(6-7): 46-51.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Extended suicides with firearms are often easy to diagnose by police investigation especially if the bullets are found at scene, A case of extended suicide is presented where the former girlfriend was shot into the chest [retained bullet] and the perpetrator committed suicide by shot into the mouth [retained bullet]. Death scene: The 38 y.o. Female was found lying backwards on a bed in the bedroom. In the left upper chest region a small gunshot-wound-like skin defect was present. Next to the bed a firearm was found. In the living room the 40 y.o. Male was found upside-down on the floor. A large amount of blood was around the head. Furthermore an unfinished farewell letter addressed to the female's parents was found on the table in the living room. CT-Findings: After the external examination of the bodies a computed tomography was performed [Philips Mx 8000 IDT]. A slightly descending canal from the left front side of the chest through the apex of the heart was visible in the female. The bullet was detected in the intercostal space near the vertebral column. In the male a shot wound through the mouth was detectable. The bullet moved inside the skull without exiting the cranial cavity. Later on these findings where proven by autopsy. The bullets found during autopsy could be assigned to the firearm from the death scene

Language: en