Related Experiment Videos
Fatal and non-fatal injuries caused by crossbows
W Grellner1, D Buhmann, A Giese
1Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Mainz, Germany. grellner@uni-mainz.de
Forensic Science International
|April 28, 2004
Summary
Traumatic crossbow injuries are rare but can be fatal or severe, often involving the head or thorax. Injury appearance varies by bolt type, sometimes mimicking gunshot or sharp force wounds.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Traumatology
Background:
- Traumatic injuries from crossbows are infrequent in modern times.
- This study presents the largest case collection to date, analyzing six incidents.
Observation:
- Four fatalities (homicides and suicides) and two non-fatal injuries (grievous bodily harm, accident) were documented.
- Victims were males aged 31-54, injured by high-performance crossbows.
- Injuries predominantly affected the facial/head and thoracic regions, with deep penetration and retained bolts in most cases.
Findings:
- Non-fatal injuries showed minimal symptoms despite extensive cranial involvement.
- Suicides targeted areas typical for firearm injuries.
- External wound morphology depended on bolt tip type, mimicking sharp force or gunshot wounds.
Implications:
- Aetiological classification of crossbow injuries can be challenging post-bolt removal.
- The potential for victims to remain conscious or survive extensive brain penetration requires consideration in death investigations.